(AseanAll)  — On January 22, 2026,during the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, participated in a formal signing ceremony with the “Global Plastic Neutral” initiative and Brave Blue Hope, marking eight years of collaboration toward marine preservation.

While signing the agreement in his capacity as a foundation leader, the President was recognized by international partners as a key patron and champion of this initiative. Ramos-Horta described the agreement as a vital step in combating the “nefarious” impact of plastic waste, which threatens human health and the delicate marine ecosystems of the Indo-Pacific region.

During his intervention, the President linked this global initiative to Timor-Leste’s “Blue Economy” strategy, which is a priority for the government of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão. Ramos-Horta emphasized that the fight against plastic pollution is not just an environmental goal but a public health necessity. By aligning his foundation’s leadership with the “Global Plastic Neutral” framework, the President reaffirmed that Timor-Leste is prepared to lead by example, leveraging local stewardship and international partnerships to eliminate plastic waste from its coastlines.

President Ramos-Horta also underscored the regional weight of this commitment, positioning Timor-Leste as a steward of the Coral Triangle and a proactive 11th member of ASEAN. Recalling his role in signing the original Coral Triangle agreement in Manado, the President noted that safeguarding marine life is essential for the health of over 100 million people in the Coral Triangle and 700 million across ASEAN. “This reflects the consensus in the country and the global consensus,” the President stated, solidifying Timor-Leste’s role as a nature-positive leader in the region.