Learning from His Excellency José Ramos-Horta

by Isaac. The Brilliant Foundation

To have the privilege of meeting a leader of a foreign nation is an experience usually reserved for the Prime Minister, corporate executives and senior diplomats. The opportunity to do so is not often afforded to members of the public, even less so to the youth of our nation.

However, on the 3^rd of December 2025 it was an honour to meet His Excellency Jose Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Laureate of 1996. His Excellency was visiting Perth for the first time in twenty years, and I had the chance to see him speak at the University Club of UWA- an event hosted by the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA). 

The evening began with President Ramos-Horta engaging in a conversation about his life with a member of the AIIA which was a meaningful and enlightening experience. The President described the trials and tribulations of a man who, throughout an extraordinary life and challenging conditions, displayed real leadership, forging the path for Timorese independence via the UN and Journalism.  President Horta’s story is an inspiration because he helped to free his nation from an imperialist nation.  

Following this discussion, there was a drinks event attended by President Horta and it was here I had my chance to shake the hand of His Excellency and have a conversation with him. I offered my congratulations for the entry of Timor-Leste to the ASEAN bloc, a huge leap for the Timorese Economy.

We discussed America's tariffs and the economic repercussions for the rest of the world, and to hear the view of a head of state and world leader was a highly interesting experience.

In addition to the President himself, I met and networked with several other amazing people, including Sue Boyd, former Ambassador to nations across the Indo-Pacific, including Vietnam, Fiji, Bangladesh and Hong Kong, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, State Representative Sally Dawkins and Former President of the AIIA John Goodlad, all of whom are engaged in foreign affairs.

-END-

Copyright@TheBrilliantFoundation