How do you build a nation from the ashes of conflict? A crisis
unfolded in East Timor in 1999 that left hundreds of thousands
of people homeless, killed more than 1,200 and destroyed most of
the country’s houses, schools and other infrastructure. From
these desolate conditions the new nation of Timor-Leste emerged,
and overcame serious internal political and security challenges
between 2006 and 2008. Today, Timor-Leste is a place of peace,
democracy, celebration and optimism, a place where new
infrastructure, public investment and services are growing. How
did the Timorese achieve so much momentum in just over a decade?
While this was a complex process, it is possible to view and
draw lessons from Timorese achievements within five important
areas: Vision, Space, Voice, Trust and Confidence. Through
photos and videos, this portrait presents Timor-Leste’s
inspiring story around these five blocks of nation-building. As
UN peacekeepers depart Timor-Leste in late 2012, the United
Nations Integrated Mission in Timo