Dr Jose Ramos-Horta

Dr Jose Ramos-Horta is the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Foreign Minister of Timor Leste

Dr Jose Ramos-Horta was born in Timor-Leste (East Timor) and educated in a Catholic mission in the village of Soibada. Dr Ramos-Horta has worked tirelessly in the development of political awareness of his country and the world has seen him as a moderating influence in the re-emergence of Timor Leste as an independent and free nation. He gives credit to major global institutions such as the United Nations (UN) and the impact the UN has had on building democracy in Timor Leste.

In 1996, Dr Ramos-Horta shared the Nobel Peace Prize with his fellow countryman, Bishop Carlos Belo for their “sustained efforts to hinder the oppression of small people”, hoping that “this will spur efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Timor Leste based on the people’s right to self-determination.”

Since independence in May 2002, Dr Ramos-Horta has held the position of Senior Minister and Minister Foreign Affairs and Cooperation for Timor Leste. Since returning to live in Timor Leste after Indonesia’s departure, Dr Ramos-Horta has played an active part in the continuing effort to rebuild his country.