Leading world development expert Jeffrey Sachs visits Timor-Leste

Dili, 29 March 2010 - Global development expert Professor Jeffrey Sachs arrived in Timor-Leste on the weekend at the invitation of the Minister of Finance Emilia Pires for a five-day visit, during which he will attend high level meetings with national leaders, State institutions, the United Nations, donors, civil society and academia.

Professor Sachs will share his analysis, expertise and experience while providing valuable insight on development, particularly the path for Timor-Leste.

"Professor Sachs has been an articulate and vocal champion for the developing world, dedicating his work and livelihood to the betterment of humanity and the world's most vulnerable citizens," said Ágio Pereira, Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson upon Professor Sachs' arrival. "We welcome his recommendations, views and unique perspective on development and how it can effectively be translated to improve our understandings on the development of Timor-Leste."

The United Nations Development Programme is coordinating closely with the Government in supporting Professor Sach's programme.

"Professor Sach's visit comes at a time when Timorese leaders, from Government as well as across the political spectrum and civil society, are looking at how to most effectively bring the benefits of development to all people," said Finn Reske-Nielsen, UNMIT Deputy SRSG and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Timor-Leste. "He will help bring a fresh perspective to key issues such as the challenges of rural poverty, of educational and economic opportunities for the large and growing youth population, of urbanisation, and of equality for women and girls."

Professor Sachs was the former Director of the United Nations Millennium Project, Millennium Development Goals. Serving as a special advisor to the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Sachs has been lauded by US Time Magazine as one of "the 100 most influential people in the world" (2004 and 2005 editions). Two of his books, The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time and Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet are New York Times Best Sellers.