In an era of globalization that often drowns out the voices of smaller nations, the story of Manuel Jerónimo Freitas, an alumnus of the MA in Political Sciences program at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), stands as a reminder that representation means having the courage to be present, to speak, and to shape the direction of global conversations. Armed with academic expertise and international networks, he now serves as the National Chapter Representative of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO) for Timor-Leste at the global level. This role is far from symbolic; it is a strategic position where the ideals of youth meet the pragmatism of international diplomacy. On the global stage, Manuel elevates Timor-Leste’s narrative, often overlooked, into critical discussions on justice, development, and solidarity among nations that choose not to align with dominant power blocs.

Beyond this, his position as President of the Youth Empowerment Network of Timor-Leste (YENTL) underscores that advocacy abroad must be matched by capacity-building at home. Championing youth representation at international diplomacy tables is meaningless if young people in Timor-Leste lack the space to grow, lead, and shape policy in their own country. Manuel bridges these two arenas, local and global, with a vision that the nation’s future rests in a generation that knows its rights and is equipped to influence change. In today’s complex world, figures like Manuel remind us that education, dedication, and courage can cut across geopolitical divides and bring new hope to nations that have long existed on the margins of global power.