![[Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão] 이미지](http://sunhakpeaceprize.org/data/bbsData/17369108989.png)
2025 Founders' Special Honorary Award
- Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
- The first President of East Timor and founder of g7+
Xanana Gusmão is a visionary leader who led East Timor’s independence movement and dedicated himself to rebuilding the nation and establishing democracy. As the first President and later Prime Minister, he spearheaded East Timor’s development. Additionally, he founded g7+, an international platform promoting cooperation and peace among conflict-affected nations, presenting a bold new vision for global peacebuilding.
Xanana Gusmão is a global leader recognized for his contributions to East Timor’s independence, national reconstruction, and international cooperation. His major achievements include: Leading East Timor’s Nonviolent Struggle for Independence: • 1975: Formation of Fretilin: Gusmão co-founded the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin), mobilizing international support to resist Indonesia’s annexation. • 1999: Referendum for Independence: Gusmão played a pivotal role in the UN-mediated referendum that peacefully secured East Timor’s independence. • 2002: First President of East Timor: As the nation’s first president, Gusmão provided leadership in establishing peace, rebuilding institutions, and promoting democracy. Founding g7+ and Building Global Solidarity: • 2010: Founder and First Chair of g7+: Gusmão established this international platform to empower conflict-affected nations to independently pursue peace and development. • 22 Member Nations: g7+ includes Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and other nations, promoting cooperation, transparency, and sustainable solutions to shared challenges.
A Leader Symbolic of East Timor’s Independence and Democracy
Rebuilding the Nation and Fostering Unity as First President
When Indonesia annexed East Timor in 1975, Xanana Gusmão founded the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin) to lead the resistance. Even after his arrest in 1992 and subsequent seven years imprisonment, Gusmão inspired the Timorese people with messages of unity and hope, rallying international support for independence.
In 1999, under UN mediation, East Timor achieved self-determination through a historic referendum. Gusmão became the country’s first president in 2002 and later served as prime minister, demonstrating visionary leadership in rebuilding the nation, restoring the economy, and fostering social cohesion.
Rebuilding East Timor Through International Cooperation
Establishing Security, Economic Recovery, and Democratic Foundations
After East Timor’s independence, Gusmão worked closely with the United Nations and international partners to lay the foundations for a stable and democratic nation. Through the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), Gusmão secured critical assistance for law enforcement, economic recovery, and establishing democratic institutions.
He also strengthened diplomatic ties with Portugal and European nations, raising East Timor’s profile on the global stage. In recognition of his efforts, Gusmão was honored with the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought (1999) and the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights (2000).
Founding g7+: A Global Platform for Conflict-Affected Nations
Uniting 22 Nations to Build Sustainable Peace and Recovery
In 2010, Gusmão founded g7+, an international coalition of 22 conflict-affected nations, including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. The platform empowered member states to set their own goals for peace and recovery, fostering collaboration and self-determination.
Gusmão also championed the inclusion of the needs of conflict-affected nations within global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under his leadership, g7+ has become a model for addressing post-conflict recovery and sustainable development, earning global recognition for its impact on peacebuilding and cooperation.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
- Born
- June 1946
- Country
- Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
- Reason for Award
- Xanana Gusmão exemplifies a visionary leader who not only secured East Timor’s independence but also fostered cooperation and reconciliation among conflict-affected nations through g7+. His leadership has provided hope and a model for solidarity and sustainable peace worldwide.
