Dili, June 3, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ), in collaboration with the international organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), and the Timorese art association Arte Moris, is promoting peace through mural paintings and peace messages at the UNPAZ campus in Aimeti, Dili.
In an interview, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Fernando Diaz Gusmão, stated that the collaboration between UNPAZ and HWPL, an organization that advocates for peace globally, now includes Arte Moris to conduct a peace-themed mural activity on campus.
“We all know that Arte Moris has painted several murals around Dili with the theme ‘A peaceful life is the essence of peace in Timor’. This initiative from HWPL has been running since 2003, and in 2023 they held a peace conference with UNPAZ to engage our academic leadership in promoting peace in the country. Our nation, having endured serious conflict in the past that brought suffering to our people, now aims to contribute to peace building,” said the Dean.
He further explained that UNPAZ has long been engaged in such efforts, including participating in international conferences such as one in South Korea focusing on global peace. Now, UNPAZ seeks to integrate peace education into the academic setting, bringing the message of peace to students, lecturers, and staff to reduce violence and encourage a culture of peaceful coexistence.
“All students are welcome to participate in this activity, which is being held in collaboration with Arte Moris to paint murals bearing messages of peace. UNPAZ also has a Peace Studies and International Relations department, making this program highly relevant to our institution,” he added.
The mural project, to be executed by Arte Moris, is open to student participation. If any student has a message about peace, they are encouraged to join the painting process alongside Arte Moris artists.
In the same setting, Iliwatu Danabere, President of Arte Moris Association, stated that although the exact date is not yet set, they are preparing the materials and organizing their members to begin painting the UNPAZ campus walls.
“This isn’t just an Arte Moris project. We’re also collaborating with local Timorese artists with painting talent to contribute their ideas to this peace initiative. We feel very positive about this collaboration, it aligns with our mission and values. Arte Moris is honored to work with both the University and HWPL to visually spread messages of peace on UNPAZ’s walls,” said Iliwatu.
He added that Arte Moris has previously painted several public murals and hopes to continue including both their own artists and UNPAZ students in the process.
“Currently, Arte Moris has 16 painters working at its headquarters, along with 26 active student artists. I also plan to invite other painters from various groups to contribute their ideas,” said Iliwatu.
He emphasized that while the older generation fought for independence, the current generation must unite to end violence and help build lasting peace in Timor-Leste and beyond. Arte Moris is grateful to have the opportunity to be part of this peace mission. The materials for the murals are supported by Vinod Patel.
The mural activity will include participation from UNPAZ’s university structure, faculties, staff, and students. Arte Moris will lead the mural painting on campus in collaboration with HWPL and with painting equipment support from Vinod Patel.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Domingas