A unique session bringing together President José Ramos Horta with key members of civil society to discuss peace and poverty was held today as part of UNMIT's Democratic Governance "Let's Talk with our Leaders" Forum. This session was the first in a series designed to bring the nation's leaders face-to-face with the public to discuss issues important to the nation's development. The topic of the forum, "Zones of Peace and Poverty Alleviation," was chosen by the President to discuss the interdependent nature of peace and poverty alleviation. The Democratic Governance Forum series aims to promote democratic governance through dialogue sessions where citizens can add their voices to policy discussions integral to strengthening the culture of democracy.