Licypriya addresses East Timor President's inauguration
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 22 2022: Ten-year old climate activist Licypriya Kangujam reportedly delivered the inaugural speech at the inauguration ceremony of East Timor's new President Jose Ramos Horta in the presence of all the MPs of the East Timor national parliament and over 400 foreign dignitaries.

According to a release, Licypriya of Manipur (India) was invited as a special guest of honour for the inauguration of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, a day before Asia's youngest country marks the 20th anniversary of its independence.

She was only the foreign guest to address the MPs of East Timor durihg the President's inauguration ceremony.

Licypriya also met the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo, Revolutionary leader and founder President Xanana Gusmao on the sidelines of the ceremony and East Timor Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak.

Licypriya highlighted the Manipur's unique art form "Shumang Leela" to the world stage, saying it connects between Manipur people and East Timor through a Shumang Leela called "Gusmao ge Khudol" or "The gift of Xanana Gusmao" in English.

"It is based on the freedom struggle of East Timor.

Whoever watched this play, everyone will come out in tears.

Every Timorese person must watch this play", she said.

Licypriya, who is the founder of The Child Movement environmental organisation, told Al Jazeera she was "very surprised" when she first got the invitation to attend the high-profile event.

"I feel this invitation is very special and has a great message on how small island countries like East Timor are threatened by climate change", she said.

Expressing that inclusion of climate activists in every field and decision-making process is quite important, the child activist said her visit would strengthen relations between India and East Timor.

The young activist said that she was alone when she started her movement in 2018, adding "But today I have love and support from thousands of people across the globe".

During her visit to East Timor, Licypriya was invited by various civil society organisations in the country for an interaction programme with children and young people there.

She also led a climate strike on the streets of East Timor with hundreds of young people to send a strong message about the threat of climate change to the whole world.

"I have listened to their stories and will also tell the world about the problems they are facing.

We have talked about long-term peace and development and how we can fight climate change together", she told the media.

"My voice has represented the unheard voices of the millions of people of the world and also for the countless, voiceless animals".

President of East Timor and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr Jose Ramos Horta had also launched a foundation in her name called "Licypriya Foundation" on Saturday.

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