The main activities of the Division of Culture are;
1. Strengthening National Unity Through Cultural Identity and Social Cohesion
1.1. Promoting Cultural Education and Awareness
1.2. Preserving and Expanding Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Community Development
1.3. Implementing UNESCO Cultural Conventions Ratified by Timor-Leste
1. Strengthening National Unity Through Cultural Identity and Social Cohesion
Timor-Leste is undertaking a comprehensive initiative to consolidate national identity, promote cultural heritage, and strengthen social cohesion as a foundation for sustainable development. Recognizing that cultural heritage is an essential pillar of national unity, the government is focusing on preserving, documenting, and promoting traditional knowledge and practices through education, research, and international collaboration.
1.1. Promoting Cultural Education and Awareness
To deepen national identity and cultural appreciation, Timor-Leste is enhancing cultural education and awareness programs. A nationwide workshop will be conducted to update and validate the national inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), ensuring that 50 key cultural elements are recognized and preserved with the consensus of local communities. Additionally, community training programs will be implemented to equip local custodians with the knowledge and skills needed to preserve and transmit cultural heritage across generations. These efforts will not only ensure the continuity of cultural traditions but also foster a deeper appreciation of Timor-Leste’s unique heritage among local communities and authorities.
1.2. Preserving and Expanding Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Community Development
To safeguard cultural heritage for future generations, comprehensive research and data collection initiatives will be undertaken. At least ten key cultural elements will be documented and published at the national level, providing students and communities with greater access to information about their heritage. This initiative will be complemented by partnerships with international organizations, fostering global collaboration and enabling the implementation of five community-based cultural projects supported by international stakeholders. Additionally, research will focus on documenting Uma-Lulik (sacred houses) and historical properties across five municipalities, ensuring that these cultural assets remain an integral part of Timor-Leste’s national identity.
1.3. Implementing UNESCO Cultural Conventions Ratified by Timor-Leste
As part of its commitment to global cultural preservation, Timor-Leste is actively working on the implementation of UNESCO conventions ratified in 1972, 2003, and 2005. This includes stakeholder consultations on nominating ICH elements for UNESCO recognition, with the goal of inscribing two cultural heritage elements and one historical property on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Additionally, efforts will be made to support government agencies in mapping Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI), integrating data on creative human resources into the National Statistical Database. These initiatives will help position Timor-Leste’s cultural heritage on the international stage while strengthening cultural policy, creative industries, and sustainable cultural management at the national level.