Cesario Da silva (Independent)

I am Cesario da Silva, a disability rights advocate and the Executive Director of Asosiasaun Defisiénsia Timor-Leste (ADTL). As a person with a disability, I bring both lived experience and professional expertise to my work promoting equality, accessibility and the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in Timor-Leste. For many years, I have worked closely with organisations of persons with disabilities, government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and local communities. My work focuses on disability-inclusive development, policy advocacy, organisational strengthening, accessible public services, inclusive education, employment, social protection and the participation of persons with disabilities in national decision-making processes. Through ADTL, I support and coordinate a national network of organisations of persons with disabilities. I also contribute to consultations, research, training and advocacy initiatives aimed at ensuring that laws, policies, programmes and public budgets respond to the rights and priorities of persons with disabilities, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. My mission is to empower persons with disabilities and their representative organisations to speak with a strong and united voice, claim their rights and participate actively in all areas of social, economic, cultural and political life. My vision is of an inclusive Timor-Leste where persons with disabilities live with dignity, exercise their rights, access equal opportunities and contribute fully to national development without discrimination or barriers. I believe that sustainable inclusion can only be achieved when persons with disabilities are recognised not merely as beneficiaries, but as leaders, experts and equal partners in development. My commitment is to continue breaking down physical, communication, institutional and attitudinal barriers through collaboration, advocacy and practical action.