Background
- The world depends more and more on digital infrastructure for economic growth, innovation and resilience. In this time of fast technological change, countries need to strengthen their digital ecosystems to be competitive, secure and sustainable.
- Submarine cables and data centres are the backbone of national and regional information infrastructure and make many digital services possible in the public and private sectors. At the same time, a sustainable blue economy needs reliable connectivity and good use of data to manage marine resources and coastal development. Artificial intelligence (AI) and new forms of connectivity are also changing how societies work. They bring new opportunities but also raise important questions about regulation, security and trust. So there is a growing need for coordinated dialogue between government, regulators, universities, telecom operators and the private sector to make digital infrastructure more resilient, sustainable and well governed.
- For Timor-Leste, better digital infrastructure is not only a national priority but also a door to inclusive growth and regional integration. Submarine cables will give the backbone for high-speed connectivity, cybersecurity will build trust and resilience, the blue economy will use marine resources for development, and artificial intelligence will drive innovation in government, business and public services.
- This national seminar will bring together policy makers, regulators, academics, development partners and the private sector to share knowledge and shape a strategy for sustainable growth.
Objectives
The seminar aims to:
- Raise awareness: help stakeholders understand why submarine cables, data centres, blue-economy connectivity, cybersecurity and AI matter for national development.
- Encourage knowledge sharing and cooperation between sectors: give a platform where academia, regulators, public institutions and
- telecom operators can share experience, research and good practice on planning, building and protecting critical digital infrastructure.
- Discuss infrastructure strategies and policies: support dialogue on the national strategies, policies and rules needed for resilient, secure and sustainable submarine cables and data centres, including support for the blue economy.
- Explore AI and future connectivity: present global trends in artificial intelligence and future connectivity, with a focus on the EU's AI rules, and discuss what they mean for national policy, innovation and compliance.
- Support research, innovation and capacity building: encourage research cooperation and build technical and institutional skills in areas such as data governance, sustainable blue-economy practice and new digital technologies.
Target audience
- Policy makers and regulators
- ICT and telecom operators
- Academic and research institutions
- Private sector
- Civil society organisations
- Development partners and international experts
Expected results
By the end of the seminar, participants will have:
- A better understanding of why submarine cables, data centres, blue-economy connectivity and AI are strategic for national development.
- More dialogue and cooperation between public institutions, regulators, telecom operators, academia and civil society.
- Agreed policy and regulatory priorities for strengthening national digital infrastructure, submarine cables, AI and cybersecurity.
- Awareness of international frameworks (for example the EU AI Act) and lessons for Timor-Leste.
- Stronger networks and partnerships for future joint work, training and research.
Date, venue and format
- Date: 6 October 2025
- Venue: Novo Turismo, Dili, Timor-Leste
- Format: in-person seminar with talks, technical presentations by experts and interactive question-and-answer sessions.
Organisers
- The seminar is organised by the Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações (ANC) together with ANACOM – Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações, Portugal.
Sponsors
- Gold: MORAPIDO NET UNIPESSOAL, LDA.
- Silver: METROLink, Lda. - APURVA UNIPESSOAL, LDA.
