A Life in Chapters
Scroll through the extraordinary journey of a woman who shaped a nation's destiny
Milena Pires was born on 19 June 1966 in Dili, Portuguese Timor — a land on the cusp of profound upheaval. The early years of her life were shaped by the beauty and complexity of a small half-island nation.
OriginsAt just nine years old, Milena and her family were forced to leave Timor during the Indonesian occupation, seeking refuge in Australia. In exile, she began working with the Timorese Australian Council (TAC), helping her displaced community secure assistance from the Australian government.
DiasporaMilena joined Timor-Leste's struggle for self-determination through the diplomatic front. She participated in international forums denouncing human rights violations, spoke at the UN Committee of 24 (Decolonization Committee), and attended the Beijing World Conference on Women. She also counselled traumatized Timorese through STARTTS.
ResistanceAs Timor-Leste moved toward independence, Milena's brother was killed by militia in the devastating Suai Church massacre. Despite unimaginable personal loss, she pressed forward — serving as Deputy Speaker of the National Council during the UN Transitional Administration.
IndependenceElected to the Constituent Assembly as a member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) — which she helped found — Milena played a key role in drafting the Constitution of the new nation. She then served in the first National Parliament and directed Xanana Gusmão's presidential campaign.
Nation BuildingAppointed director of the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) in Timor-Leste, Milena dedicated five years to advancing women's rights at the institutional level. She produced numerous reports and became a recognized global authority on gender issues.
Women's RightsElected to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Milena served until 2014 — bringing Timor-Leste's voice to the most important global body for women's rights. She also co-founded the Centre for Women and Gender.
Global StageAppointed by President Taur Matan Ruak as Timor-Leste's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Milena represented her nation on the world's most prominent diplomatic stage from 2016 to 2020.
DiplomacyNominated as CEO of the East Timor Trading Group, Milena brings her lifelong dedication to Timor-Leste into the private sector — continuing to serve her beloved country through economic development and empowerment.
Private Sector