On 12 February 2026, the ASEAN Application and Research Center at the Social Sciences University of Ankara hosted an online event titled “From Accession to Integration: Timor-Leste in ASEAN.” The event was moderated by Dr. Vuslat Nur Şahin Temel, Deputy Director of the Centre, and featured Mr. Celso da Fonseca as the guest speaker.
Mr. da Fonseca is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Universidade Nacional Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL), and is affiliated with the Human Rights Center at UNTL. His research focuses on human rights, democratic governance, disability rights, peace and conflict, and ASEAN-related studies. He has published peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and policy-oriented research, including contributions to the Southeast Asia Human Rights Outlook, and since 2023 has represented UNTL in a joint research collaboration with the University of Sydney on disability and decent work in Timor-Leste.
The event focused on Timor-Leste’s historic accession to ASEAN as its 11th member state on 26 October 2025, and the road that lies ahead. Mr. da Fonseca began with a historical overview of Timor-Leste’s long journey toward membership, from its initial observer status in 2002 to its formal application in 2011 and the adoption of the accession roadmap in 2023. He highlighted the scale of the legal preparations involved, noting that Timor-Leste had ratified 79 out of 84 priority ASEAN instruments by the time of accession, covering all three community pillars: political-security, economic, and socio-cultural.
A significant portion of the presentation addressed the challenges Timor-Leste faces as it moves from accession to full integration. These include economic diversification away from declining petroleum revenues, institutional capacity-building to participate in over 1,000 annual ASEAN meetings, and addressing domestic gaps in areas such as poverty, malnutrition, and rural development. Mr. da Fonseca presented projections showing that Timor-Leste’s Petroleum Fund could be depleted by 2038 if current spending patterns continue, underscoring the urgency of economic reform.
At the same time, the speaker outlined the significant opportunities that ASEAN membership brings. These include access to a market of over 660 million consumers, a platform for attracting foreign investment, and frameworks for cooperation in areas such as disaster response, maritime security, and climate resilience. He also highlighted Timor-Leste’s potential in the blue economy, tourism, and agriculture as key pathways for sustainable growth. Quotes from senior Timorese leaders, including Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel, were shared to illustrate the country’s commitment to making integration a success.
The event concluded with an open discussion on how ASEAN can best support its newest member and what Timor-Leste’s unique experience in post-conflict peacebuilding and democratic governance can contribute to the region.
As Türkiye’s only dedicated ASEAN centre, the ASEAN Application and Research Center is committed to fostering dialogue and academic exchange on Southeast Asian affairs, and was proud to host this timely and informative event.
