Following the presentations and discussions by all speakers during today’s Dili Dialogue Forum, several key issues were identified as strategic highlights. These points are presented as recommendations to be considered and acted upon in order to strengthen the media landscape and digital infrastructure in Timor-Leste. The key recommendations are as follows:
- Journalists in Timor-Leste must carry out their work with integrity, honesty, and dedication. It is also essential that the government respects and guarantees freedom of expression, creating an open and safe space for journalists to operate. The Press Council must ensure that the media operates freely, but also with responsibility. Moreover, AI also one of the central pillar for democracy, relevant institutions should begin to analyse the current and future impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in developing countries such as Timor-Leste, taking into account the risks it may present to journalism and public discourse.
- AI can be a powerful tool to assist journalists, especially in content creation, data analysis, and translation. However, AI should not replace journalists work. It is critical to maintain human oversight, ethical judgment, and context in reporting. Clear policies should be developed to regulate the dissemination of AI-generated content. Linguistic institutions in Timor-Leste are encouraged to explore the use of Tetum in AI development to ensure that national language and identity are preserved in the digital era and Strengthening digital literacy
- The Press Council must actively support and promote professionalism among journalists, particularly in key sectors such as health, education, and the economy. The current situation of journalism in Timor-Leste requires the Council to act as a catalyst for quality and ethical journalism. Journalists should commit to publishing credible, accurate, transparent, and honest information.
- Continue Supporting media to develop Skills to adapt new technology, increase collaboration and information-sharing between media, government and civil society Timorense and International collaboration Informed by local context, knowledge and two-way learning , the intensive discussion between the government civil society, media and the all the network operator and the relevant entities. The media must also take a stronger stance in advocating against gender-based violence, including online violence.
- Collaboration with stake holders to ensure a successful transition to a digital economy submarine cable important infrastructure develops opportunities various sector in Timor-Leste.
Southeast Asian Press Council Network 