YouSaid · the spoken record

Robert Abela

lines on the record: 102
first: 2020-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“To make multilateralism work in this age of insecurity, we need to ensure that a much wider group of voices are heard in the United Nations and around the globe; the voices of all countries — large and small, rich, and poor, developed and developing; the voices of all sections of civil society — women, not just men. young as well as old. gay as well as straight; all backgrounds, all ethnicities. I refuse to believe, and Malta refuses to believe, that a new age of insecurity is inevitable. I know and Malta knows that we must build a new age of security, not by trying to turn the clock back but by getting the future right. If we work together; if we listen to and learn from each other; if we understand and appreciate the desire of our citizens to take back control of their lives, we can and we will get the future right.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We live in a new age — in an age when you can send a video to the other side of the world faster than you can walk to the other side of the room you are sitting in; in an age when the decisions about how to generate energy in one country can impact the very survival of another country oceans away; in an age when the aggression of one country against another can lead to hunger across a different continent. In such an age. the importance of working together will only become stronger. The word for it — multilateralism — may not trip off the tongue, but it is more important than ever.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Naturally, however, there is a limit to what any one country especially a small one. can do. To make Al a global good, we need global action. Malta stands resolutely behind efforts to increase and enhance international cooperation on AL Technology is changing too fast, and its potential is so vast, that failing to work together is no longer an option. Of course, it is not just in the tech field that we need to work together. Working together is not only a key value for Malta; it is at the very centre of the political tradition I proudly represent. Put simply, standing together, we can achieve so much more than working alone. Yes. none of us nations, leaders or societies stands as islands isolated from each other. We are all connected in ever more ways.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Let us be clear — Al will have a huge impact on all aspects of society, but let us also be clear that if as leaders we take the right decisions, that impact on our societies can be a positive one. Again, as with trade, the answer is not to try and turn the clock back, to close our eyes to the inevitable and hope it will go away. Instead, the answer is to get the future right, to take the decisions now so that we can harness the power of Al for the public and common good, not fear it as a coming catastrophe. In Malta, we are already doing just that. We are already seeing how Al can enhance public services, improving lives for all citizens. We have six pilot projects covering areas from health care to traffic management. We are taking ownership through leadership, not trying to ignore the future.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“One of the biggest drivers of mental health worries is fear of the future. Indeed, none of us can feel secure about our lives if we do not feel secure about what is coming tomorrow. Right now. one of the biggest fears many have is of technology. We have lived through two decades of unprecedented change, from the basic mobile phone and text messaging to smart phones and face recognition. It can often seem like society has lost control and that the technology itself is in charge. And now. with the advent of generative artificial intelligence (Al), the risk is that this seems truer than ever. How we feel about our futures is. unfortunately, not helped by lurid media headlines about the machines taking over, spreading fear about Al taking jobs and rendering human effort obsolete.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“One significant manifestation of the feeling of insecurity has been the growing number of people facing mental health difficulties. None of us can feel secure unless we know that mental health is taken as seriously as physical health by our health-care systems. Even if we do not have mental health issues ourselves, knowing that care and support are there should we or those we care for need it is part of the reassurance that an active State should provide. To help provide that reassurance, in Malta we have implemented a comprehensive mental health strategy to build capacity, address causes and offer continuing support to individuals with mental health needs and their families, through initiatives like the National Mental Health Helpline launched last year, offering a one-stop. 24/7 resource to connect patients with the services they need.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Similarly, upholding the rights of the child — as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child — is of paramount importance to Malta. We work hard to ensure that each and every child has the opportunities she or he deserves, no matter what the circumstances of her or his birth. By tackling child poverty and ensuring equal access to education and healthcare, we aim to ensure that no child is left behind. Rightly, it is a moral imperative, but it is also an economic one. Leaving any of the next generation of workers without the skills they need is not just damaging to the individuals excluded from prosperity; it is also damaging to economic growth. None of us can feel secure unless every child in our societies is safe and secure.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“I am proud to be speaking in the same month that Malta hosted a hugely successful EuroPride the crowning recognition of the transformation in our nation’s approach to LGBTIQ+ rights that has taken place since my party was returned to Government, and a huge boost to our island’ profile and our island’s economy. And let us also look at closing the digital divide. Equipping more citizens of all ages and from all backgrounds with the digital skills they need both increases their individual earning power and adds to the nation’s productivity. That is why we have extended information and communications technology as a compulsory subject in all our upper secondary schools. Malta therefore calls on the international community to work harder to ensure that the digital divide is narrowed, not just within each nation but also globally.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Open economies should be fair economies. Only with fairness will citizens’ sense of security be rebuilt. I came into politics passionate about building a country where decision-making is based on fairness and opportunity, with a commitment to equality that is also a commitment to competitiveness. Let us consider gender equality. Empowering women powers economic growth. One of our Government’s proudest achievements is the introduction of free childcare that has enabled more parents to re-enter the workforce, increasing women’s economic power and increasing growth for the economy as a whole.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Instead, we need a new age of social protection —not putting up barriers to trade but putting in place standards and rights for our workers. I understand and appreciate how some people may feel left behind by the sheer pace of economic change this century. The pandemic showed the need to think through the geopolitical risks of supply chains. But the answer is not to turn back the clock. The answer is to get the future right. One of the themes of this year’s General Assembly is rebuilding trust to achieve sustainability for all. and that is exactly what we must do. Too often, smaller and developing countries have been excluded from the decision-making process and have suffered as a result. Malta is clear — trust on trade can be achieved only if genuine solidarity is maintained with all Member States. Open trading should be fair trading.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“From the perspective of an outward-facing, trading nation like Malta, there is one overwhelming, clear and present danger to economic security — the prospect of a new era of protectionism. If protectionism grows unchecked, it could do untold damage to an export- oriented island economy like ours. The Maltese people have benefited hugely from the opening up of the world economy. As vested interests have given way to innovation, they have seized the new opportunities. Like many young economies. Malta has harnessed digital technology and the breaking down of trade and tariff barriers to expand into sectors that were previously off- limits to small nations like ours. What the world economy and the world’s citizens need is not a new era of protectionism.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Protecting our planet is a mammoth task, but by taking visible, measurable action we can. and we must. show our citizens that they have reason to believe in the security of the Earth’s future. There are those who say that securing the planet can be achieved only at the expense of economic growth. I firmly reject that thinking. In fact. I believe the reverse is true. Environmental security can be achieved only if citizens feel economic security. Only if you feel secure about your family’s economic well-being can you turn your attention to the well-being of the Earth. And it is only by delivering sustainable economic growth that we can deliver sustainable environmental protection.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Malta was late to develop, and we have experienced many of the same challenges that are currently being faced by developing countries. That is why we have made raising awareness of the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing States (SIDs) a top priority and why supporting sustainable development for small island developing States is a cornerstone of our foreign policy. To do so. we are committed to our Island for Islands initiative, delivering concrete, practical support for those small island nations — the nations most exposed to the impact of climate change. We share best practices and help build capacity. We were delighted that Malta’s scholarship programme for students from small island developing States has been recognized with a United Nations SIDs Partnerships award.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Rising sea levels also threaten the very territorial integrity of States as a result of coastal inundation, with a consequent danger of disputes and conflict. I wish therefore to reiterate in the strongest terms, as I did at the twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, that no coastal State should lose any of its existing rights over its maritime zones due to rising sea levels. As a United Nations, we must preserve the sovereignty of coastal States, no matter what the ravages of the sea. As island nations, we turn to the world, but we do not turn our backs on each other. Solidarity among small island countries is a key value for Malta and a value that we turn into practical support. Like the majority of nations in the United Nations.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Securing the future of our seas and oceans is an urgent imperative for the Government of Malta. That is why we have made climate and oceans the number one priority during our term on the Security Council. To give the debate new momentum, we made a high- level meeting on the implications of rising sea levels for peace and security the signature event of our presidency of the Security Council in February (see S/PV. 9260). And we enthusiastically extend our support for the newly created coalition on addressing sea-level rise and existential threats. It is not just the direct consequences of rising sea levels that we need to be concerned about. As land is degraded, fresh water shortages, the displacement of people and food insecurity all risk undermining global security, generating new conflicts and exacerbating existing ones.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Climate change is not some sort of abstract problem; it is a very real emergency the consequences of which are being felt in every part of the world. Current pledges and targets are not sufficient to keep the 1.5°C objective of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change within reach. Malta wholeheartedly commends the Secretary-General’s initiative to help States accelerate efforts at the global level. We must all play our part and work together. The time for excuses is long over. Malta is a proud maritime nation. The sea plays a profound part in Malta’s national life and has a special place in the hearts of the Maltese people. Rising sea levels are a severe threat to the security, the livelihood and. indeed, the very existence of island countries like ours.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“It is why I am adamant that every global policy we put in place must make a difference locally and that we can show that by working together internationally, we can deliver solutions nationally. In that way. we can address what pessimists call the “new age of insecurity” by building a new age of security. Yet. we must be realistic. There is no magic wand. I am realistic about what any individual nation can do. and I am acutely aware there is only so much a small nation can do. But if we all play our part, we can all make a difference. In short, we are stronger together. No one can feel secure about their family’s future unless they feel secure about the future of the planet on which we all live and the natural world on which we all depend. The biggest threat to our planet is clearly climate change.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We must show through deeds, not just words, that we can address the fears, as well as the hopes and aspirations, of the people we represent. One of the advantages of being Prime Minister of a small country is that you are very close to the people you represent. You hear loud and clear what is worrisome them. One of the persistent worries I hear is that people feel a niggling sense of insecurity. Post pandemic, they feel that the world is a less stable, increasingly scary place, and with such big global forces at play, too often citizens can feel like they do not have their hands on the levers that control their futures. I understand where those concerns are coming from. Addressing them is why I am into politics.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Libya to the Niger, it can all too often seem like we are living in an era of despair. And the problems the world faces are indeed deep and profound. It would be all too easy and all too understandable to fall into despondency and to think that nothing can be done. But in the rest of my remarks. I want to show that things can be done, that we can make a difference, and that if a small nation like Malta can play its part in addressing the most urgent issues our world faces, then the United Nations can put in place real and effective solutions globally. I began with the famous quotation that “no man is an island”. Leaders cannot be an island, either. Our fine words to the Assembly must not stand alone; they must be directly connected to our actions at home and the priorities of our people.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Our objective is to be a true bridge between the continents. My Government has underlined Malta’s commitment to Africa by opening new diplomatic missions in Ghana and Ethiopia and putting into action our first national strategy for Africa. But strengthening connections does not just mean strengthening diplomatic ties. We have already concluded agreements with countries like Ethiopia to facilitate connectivity for businesses and people between the continents. Malta remains deeply disturbed by the dire security situation in the Sahel, including the political turmoil, irregular migration, the jihadist attacks on the civilian population and food insecurity. We are particularly concerned about the current situation in the Niger and underline the urgency of a peaceful resolution to the crisis. From Ukraine to Mali.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“The need to recover and rebuild after the tragic devastation of Storm Daniel underlines the urgency and importance of a lasting settlement that gives all Libyans the effective Government they deserve. For Malta, being a good neighbour means offering practical help. Within hours of the disaster hitting, a team from our Army and Civil Protection Department was on the way to Libya to play its part in the rescue effort. Maltese officers also remain on active service with the United Nations in Lebanon, proudly wearing blue berets as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and underlining the importance Malta attaches to peacekeeping and peace-building in the Mediterranean. As the nation at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, our extended neighbourhood stretches beyond the Mediterranean coast.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Being neutral has never meant that Malta ignores the problems facing our neighbours. We are acutely aware that many of the challenges we face at home are best tackled together with our Mediterranean neighbours. That is why I am very proud that our capital. Valletta, will host the next summit of the members of the European Union MED9 in just a few days’ time. The most pressing issue in the Mediterranean is definitely that of Libya. The peace of our whole region depends on a lasting settlement there. Malta wishes to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Libya through a Libyan-led political process. It is vital that the entire international community encourage the process and give the Libyan people the support they need to overcome the instability, for which they have already paid such a high price.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We will never and can never be neutral when we see pain and suffering caused by an illegal invasion. In that spirit of peace, we call on Russia to withdraw its forces from the sovereign territory of Ukraine and we urge all the nations gathered here to unite to deliver an end to the war. The tragedy of war is not just that those directly involved suffer, but also that the consequences reverberate around the world. The already precarious situation of global food security has been made much worse by the invasion of Ukraine. An estimated additional 122 million people across the world have been pushed into hunger since 2019. Malta urges Russia to rejoin the Black Sea Grain Initiative and to stop standing in the way of vital food supplies leaving Ukraine to feed the world’s most needy.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Malta will never turn its back on its neighbours. Malta will continue to work relentlessly with our partners in Europe and beyond to stand up for peace and the rule of law. Sadly, the need to stand up for those values has rarely been more urgent or more important than it is today. We witness Russia’s violation of international law with its continued assault on Ukraine. Malta’s response to the situation in Ukraine and other crises across the world is guided by the values of neutrality enshrined in our Constitution. Malta’s neutrality does mean that we will continue to be directly opposed to military aggression and unilateral action against members of the global community and the rules-based order, but Malta’s neutrality does not mean that we are indifferent to what happens around us.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Indeed, earlier this month, we were very proud to be just such a bridge, trusted by both sides to host private talks between the United States National Security Adviser and China’s Foreign Minister. Malta provided a safe space for vital discussions between the world’s two biggest Powers. And it is to build bridges just like this that, almost 60 years ago. the Republic of Malta was admitted as a full Member of this United Nations. It is a sign of the confidence our fellow Members place in Malta’s commitment to working together for the common good that they elected our nation to serve on the Security Council for this year and next. It is why. embedded at the heart of our Constitution is the active pursuit of peace, security and social progress among all nations. Malta will always be open to the world.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“It is indeed a privilege to once again be addressing the General Assembly on behalf of the people of Malta. As I was preparing my remarks. I was reminded of those timeless lines by the poet John Donne: “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main”. Malta is a proud island nation, but we are most definitely not an island entire of ourselves — quite the reverse. Throughout our history, we have looked outward to the world, conscious of our unique geographic position at the crossroads of Europe and Africa and consciously stepping up into a unique role, building bridges and building understanding between different traditions.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“I would like to conclude by conveying a message that my 10-year-old daughter, Giorgia Mae, who is here with us in the audience, asked me to pass on when I explained to her that I would be addressing this meeting of world leaders. She said, “Papa, I would like the world leaders to be an example to us children and leave behind a beautiful Earth”. May that simple yet poignant message enable us to deliver what is expected of us.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Through cooperation and exchange, we will be able to see our societies grow and thrive. Now is the time for nations to reach out, deepen ties with existing partners and develop new relationships with others. As a State Member of the United Nations and a member of the Security Council starting next year, Malta stands ready to work with other Member States to maintain and encourage international peace and dialogue and to find transformative solutions to today’s challenges by fostering peace, strengthening equality and delivering prosperity, keeping security, sustainability and social justice at the heart of our efforts and priorities.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“That is why as a member of the Security Council we will place particular emphasis on bridging the gap between science, policy and law-making in order to address global security concerns, especially with regard the ocean, as the single largest habitat on our planet. I would like to take this opportunity to thank members for placing their trust and confidence in my country to serve on the Security Council for a two- year term starting in January 2023. As a proud State member of the European Union, located between two continents, we are committed to promoting dialogue and understanding with a view to strengthening cooperation and social progress. While the challenges we face are many, if we work together and concentrate our efforts I am sure that there are no obstacles we cannot overcome.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Malta launched an initiative for islands at the twenty-sixth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow last year, and we intend to continue to build on it further. Our aim is to bring to the fore the realities of small island economies as we strive to decarbonize, digitalize and fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals. Safeguarding our oceans therefore remains one of our key priorities. The interplay between climate change and the health of our ocean is important for Malta as we draw on our maritime legacy and our historical contribution at the United Nations. The ocean plays a pivotal role in combating climate change but is itself also vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and changes in sea temperature and currents.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“A lot has already been done in recent years. Malta has been channelling overseas development aid for decades now and we are committed to continuing to offer support through scholarships and dedicated learning and training programmes in various areas. One such area is water management. Water scarcity is becoming one of the most serious effects of climate change. Our water-management practices, particularly sourcing water through desalination and wastewater recycling, can serve as a model for addressing our world’s future needs, especially in view of the increasing recurrence of droughts brought about by climate change. Moreover, small States may serve as platforms where innovative ideas and technologies can be tested and eventually identified as international best practices and adopted on a wider scale.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“As my country is about to proudly embark on a two-year term on the Security Council, we intend to do our utmost to keep climate change on the international peace and security agenda. Climate change poses a serious threat to us all, but particularly to small island developing States and many coastal communities. It threatens State sovereignty, leads to loss of territory and damages States’ infrastructure, as well as jeopardizing their existing rights under maritime zone boundaries. As Prime Minister of Malta, I am fully aware of the threat that climate change poses to small island States all over the world. No matter how near to or far we are from one another, we truly share similar climate challenges. Malta was one of the founding members of the Alliance of Small Island States and aims to become a leader in small island State governance.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Though no one is safe from climate change, it is those who are most vulnerable who are the worst affected. In Pakistan floods have already claimed thousands of lives. And what about the heatwaves and droughts in China, California, the Middle East, Africa and Asia? What about the cyclones and typhoons in Japan? All of those are climate disasters that happened in 2022 but may become the order of the day if we do not intensify our efforts. There is no quick fix — far from it. Here I must reiterate that global challenges require global solutions. Together, we must keep the 1.5°C target alive, ensure that no one is left behind, and continue working to build decarbonized nations and societies.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Our priority is always to keep our citizens at the heart of our policies and to strive to improve their quality of life, on multiple levels, by providing excellent, quality services, increasing the number of high-quality jobs, and reducing the digital divide to avoid leaving anyone behind where the use of technology is concerned. Digital is the future, and we are committed to it. In parallel with the digital transition, we have to work on the green one. In both areas, we must continue emphasizing the importance of closing the digital gap across all nations in order to ensure a level playing field. The displacement of peoples due to climate change, particularly as a result of droughts and sea-level rise leading to loss of territory, is unfortunately taking place on our watch.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It is imperative that during these trying times we avoid any temptation to put the climate on the back-burner. We should make no mistake — the future is green, and it is digital. I will focus on the latter first. The digital arena is one that Malta has recognized and embraced. We have invested heavily in our digital economy, both in terms of public administration and on the business and social fronts. Today we rank first in the European Union (EU) in terms of e-Government and fifth on the EU Digital Economy and Society Index. That is no coincidence. It is the result of our strategic vision on digitalization.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Economic resilience is now more important than ever. Only through economic ties and interdependence and the freedom of movement of people and capital across countries can we hope for long-lasting world peace. For decades, globalization has been hailed as the next frontier of economic growth, by enabling human, financial and capital resources to be deployed as effectively as possible; by fostering jobs — or rather, careers — through international trade; by creating wealth through technological advances and their dissemination; and by allowing for better diversification against risk through the creation of multiple investment opportunities. Our time is now, and if not now, when? Let us turn the challenges we face into opportunities to transform our economies and make them future-ready, and to focus on our green objectives.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“That is what our people are telling us they want, and it is what they deserve, so that is what we must deliver to them, without any further delay. We have all experienced almost three years of continued crisis, including a pandemic. The most vulnerable in our societies are the ones who have been the hardest hit. Social unrest will increase if our peoples’ quality of life deteriorates. That is why we must intensify our pursuit for peace, equality and justice for all. Malta will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as they continue to face an unprovoked aggression. We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians and condemn all tactics and recent statements that do not bode well and will most probably mean a further deterioration of the situation. The third theme I want to delve into is prosperity.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Food insecurity and price hikes will exacerbate the plight of millions around the world, as the effects of the war in Ukraine could continue to push the number of people at risk of falling below the poverty line even higher. In the twenty-first century we will not find solutions through the use of force or weapons. We can prevent a further deterioration of the situation only if we manage to resolve war through dialogue and meaningful negotiation efforts. The twenty-first century should not be an era of war. The quest for peace requires that all who are parties to conflict put the best interests and priorities of the people first. We all know what the best interests of our peoples are. Our absolute priority should be to re-establish peace and order and to end war.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The number of people globally living in poverty is estimated to have risen by more than 70 million so far. With the probability of further marked increases in the coming months, that is something we cannot afford. We appeal for the United Nations to address the global needs for resilience, as a counterpart and counterbalance to the dynamics of globalization and as a matter of urgent priority. In that regard, my country is a firm believer in international fair trade as a key element in the development of nations and something that is particularly important for smaller economies, which are largely dependent on external supply and demand for economic growth and increased social well-being. The pandemic has severely slowed the historical decline in the poverty rate.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“If we do not support our people until the situation improves, we will have failed them. We cannot leave them to carry the burdens alone. At the same time, we must bear in mind that if the situation is prolonged, it will lead to increased pressures on economic, social and environmental sustainability for us all. It is our duty, as citizens of a global, interconnected world, to work for more sustainable food systems, fulfilling our commitment to achieving zero hunger. But in order to end hunger, we must also end conflict and war. The right to food is a recognized basic human right. The consequences of not acting to safeguard it, compounded with the devastation caused by climate change, will be severe and could lead to famine and the further displacement of peoples.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The knock-on effects will be felt by our peoples in different ways. Right now, they are taking the shape of constraints in the purchase of grains, fertilizers, agricultural equipment and livestock feed, shortages of which have inflated the prices of key basic imports. That in turn has negatively affected the purchasing power of consumers around the world. That continuing rise in the rate of inflation on food products, as well as in food scarcity and insecurity, is a major cause for concern and should be at the top of our agenda. Those pressures have an even more intense effect on small islands such as my country, owing to their insularity and other specificities. In Malta’s case, we took a calculated strategic decision to support and stand behind our people all the way to the best of our ability.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“I would like to speak briefly about our brothers and sisters in Northern Africa, particularly in Libya — a country that is a neighbour to Malta. Under the auspices of the United Nations and without interference from foreign actors, I believe that Libya and its people can transition to more peaceful, secure, stable and prosperous times. For that to happen, however, decisions must be taken to immediately put aside vested interests in Libya once and for all. That is what the Libyan people deserve and what is best not just for their region but for the Mediterranean area and the African continent in general. We are indeed living in trying times as a result of these wars. Despite our efforts, equality remains a remote concept. Today’s global food supplies and energy markets have been shaken as never before, mostly because of the war in Ukraine.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Close to 12.8 million people are estimated to have been displaced in Ukraine, which is a third of its population and constitutes the largest human displacement crisis in the world today. The international community cannot afford to lose sight of any of these situations. Our sustained support is urgently required to address the humanitarian needs they create and put an end to the devastation in order to end the suffering of innocent civilians. Let us not underestimate the effects of the war. A failure to act will also cause instability to spill over into neighbouring regions with all of its negative consequences, including mass migration, human trafficking and terrorism. Yet as the war rages on in Ukraine, we must not forget the other issues that require our attention and action.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Today we remain more committed than ever to contributing to the re-establishment and maintenance of world peace, order and security. As an island State in the Mediterranean, we have seen first-hand the effects of conflicts in our southern area. For more than a decade, those conflicts have led to instability, with wars and violence causing irreparable harm in Libya, Syria and Yemen, which in turn also led to mass migration. Equally tenuous are the situations in the Sahel, Afghanistan and the Middle East. Naturally, at this moment in time, the most prominent is the war in Ukraine. Following decades of peace in mainland Europe, it is a stark reminder that peace can never be taken for granted. Thousands of civilians have been killed and millions are suffering devastating losses.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“That is what Malta and its people stand for. It is what our predecessors had in mind when they enshrined in our Constitution the words “Malta is a neutral State actively pursuing peace, security and social progress among all nations”. That declaration of principles is also echoed in the core values and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which we should all be committed to upholding. Today, peace is threatened by what Secretary-General Guterres rightly referred to as the cauldron of crises in which we find ourselves. And if we do not come together to work for a global order and world peace, we do not stand a chance, for no single State can do it alone. In 1989, Malta played an important role in bringing an end to the Cold War by hosting the Bush-Gorbachev summit.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“For far too long, I would say, world leaders have allowed disparities to grow in this world, whether between the rich and the poor; between those who have access to fundamental rights and needs such as health care, water, food, and technology and those who are deprived of even the most basic needs; and between those with different sexual orientations. Peace, equality and prosperity are what we as world leaders should aspire to deliver to our people, to the world and to future generations — that is, if we truly want to make a positive difference in their lives. I want to start by discussing peace. Peace builds, restores and strengthens. Without peace, security and stability, we will never be able to focus on the more important challenge we face, which is bringing about growth, equality and prosperity.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The theme for this General Assembly is indeed an appropriate one, for this truly is a watershed moment. As I was preparing for my address today, I thought to myself, “What is it that the people we represent want most? What do they expect of their leaders?” The answer is peace, equality and prosperity. Every person wants to live in peace, to be free and equal, and to have a decent quality of life. Those are the three themes that I would like to focus on today. All three are equally important, interlinked and go hand in hand. This institution should be focusing on delivering on them through concrete actions rather than words.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“If elected to the UN Security Council for the term 2023-2024, Malta will commit to support the UN as a neutral member state actively pursuing peace, security and social progress among all nations across the world. Malta stands united with the international community to build a better world, where understanding and cooperation are at the heart of our policies and the work we do on the ground. Where we work together in a unified and multilateral manner. Our citizens, and our children who will inherit the world after us, truly deserve it. Thank You.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Without an adequate global response, the cumulative effects of the pandemic and its economic fallout, armed conflict, and climate change will exact high human and economic costs well into the future. This is a risk that we cannot take especially in these unprecedented times where cooperation and solidarity among states is needed more than ever before. Malta is ready to support the global effort and be an effective international change agent by assisting the alignment of economic strategies, promoting a collaborative international conversation, and drive technological innovation whilst remaining sensitive to societal and cultural implications.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Consequently, I firmly believe that a response which is multilateral in its approach, for a strong multilateral framework with a revitalised United Nations at its core, is the need of the hour. We need to strengthen our work on the affirmation of universal rules and principles, and we need to join forces and make rapid progress on the common goal of rehabilitating multilateralism. Only by working together and in solidarity can we end the pandemic and effectively tackle its consequences. Only together can we build resilience against future pandemics and other global challenges. Multilateralism is not an option but a necessity as we build back better for a world which is more equal, resilient, and sustainable. Only through collective action can we truly recover together.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)