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

“We strongly encourage the Council and Member States to support the full implementation of strong child protection mandates, including through the speedy deployment of senior child protection advisors and teams, and by prioritising the protection of children in peacekeeping transitions. Should Malta be entrusted to serve on the Security Council in 2023-2024, Children and Armed Conflict will be a priority during our tenure. We firmly believe that this issue, which greatly impacts our societies, should be mainstreamed across the work of the Security Council. Mr President, We live in an interconnected world in which actions and policies taken by any State can leave a severe impact on third countries.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Every year, children are forced into armed movements, abducted, abused, and forced to take part into conflicts that they have not created. The new worrying trends together with the multifaceted impacts on children exacerbated by the pandemic, are calling us to redouble our efforts to tackle this “plague” together. The protection of children must be central in our policy and decision-making processes. This goal is attainable, but we must act with urgency. UN peacekeeping operations have a key role to play in protecting children in armed conflict, as well as others within the UN system, including UNICEF.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Peace and security are fundamental if we have any ambition to protect international humanitarian principles and minimise the impact of conflict on innocent civilians, including those who are the most vulnerable. Too many people live in countries where their access to water, food, education, and other essential needs is not met or is denied. As potential members of the Security Council, we will commit to addressing the root causes of conflict and to promote recognition of the crucial role of humanitarian space. Conflicts affect the lives of many people, and on a yearly basis we fail tens of thousands of children. We fail to protect them from violence, from cruelty, from harm, and from realising their full potential. We fail to protect their right of being children.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Regarding Syria, the situation on the ground remains unstable. Not only have ten years passed since the conflict began, but the struggles that families and children are facing have become even more precarious. The persisting violence in Syria, particularly in view of ongoing reports of sexual and gender-based violence, attacks on children, hospitals, schools, and other vital civilian infrastructure including potable water production plants is of grave concern. We welcome the unanimous adoption of UNSCR 2585 (2021), extending the use of the humanitarian aid corridor at Bab al-Hawa. We urge all parties to refrain from further violence and take any and all appropriate actions leading to a resolution of this humanitarian and political crisis. The International Community must redouble its efforts to bring peace to Syria. We cannot remain idle.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“I also want to echo calls for all involved to put an end to the violence, to respect international law and uphold human rights, especially the rights of women and girls whilst ensuring safe and orderly departure of foreign nationals and Afghans who wish to leave the country. In this regard, roads, airports and border crossings must remain open, and calm maintained. Afghan nationals must not be abandoned to their fate. Humanitarian access is crucial, and all humanitarian actors must have unimpeded access to deliver timely and life-saving services and assistance. Similarly, I want to show my support for the words of the UN Secretary- General, that the international community must unite and ensure that Afghanistan is never again used as a platform or haven for terrorist organisations.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Actions that promote peace and stability in the region should continue to be supported, including preparations to hold elections in Palestine. The conclusion of a ceasefire earlier this year was a step in the right direction. We urge both sides to take concrete steps to consolidate the fragile peace, and to refrain from taking any action which may jeopardise any positive trends. As regards Afghanistan, the unfolding developments there have shocked us all and I want to join others in urging all parties to exercise utmost restraint. The situation on the ground remains highly volatile and bleak.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We have enacted wide ranging legislation, including constitutional changes, substantially increased capacity and resources in several key institutions, and further implementation is already underway. Mr President, I also want to touch upon the situation in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Syria. Malta reaffirms its commitment to a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict centred on a two-state solution based on United Nations Security Council resolutions and the international parameters with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both States. Malta welcomes the normalisation of diplomatic relations between the State of Israel and Morocco, United Arab Emirates, the Sudan and Bahrain.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“This also links with the importance of strengthening the capacities of national criminal justice systems to administer fair and effective justice for perpetrators of terrorist crimes, while undertaking effective preventive measures in accordance with rule of law. From a local perspective, the International Institute on Justice and the Rule of Law in Malta founded in June 2014, has been very active in convening practitioners from across the world, to provide rule of law-based training to lawmakers, police, prosecutors, judges, corrections officials and other justice sector stakeholders on how to address terrorism and related transnational criminal activities within a rule of law framework. Furthermore, in the past 20 months, Malta implemented further reforms to bolster the anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing framework.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“More specifically on the latter, terrorism is a transregional phenomenon, which knows no border, and continues to pose a major threat to peace and security in various regions across Africa, particularly in Western and Central Africa, as well as the Sahel. It remains imperative for the international community to continue to work together and address the root causes of violent extremism and radicalisation, with the aim of countering terrorism, as well as its financing. Terrorists are adept at exploiting countries with weak counter-terrorism capabilities; hence the need to address such challenges is even more important. Action against terrorism must be firm and decisive at all times and the UN is central to the fight. Literacy has, in my view, a critical role to play in empowering individuals to counter radicalisation efforts.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We hope that the strengthening of these elements would bring Libyans together as they determine their collective effort towards a common future and a peaceful, prosperous Libya. Malta is actively supporting Libya in its economic development and just days ago, we marked our first commercial flight between our two countries. This is an important step forward for Libyan stability and prosperity. At the same time, however, we cannot ignore the impact that political developments in the wider region have on the situation in Libya. The situation in the Sahel remains tenuous, necessitating an integrated approach driven by a strong political commitment. This instability in the region will have implications and spill-over effects in other areas, including migration and terrorism.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The will of the Libyan people must be respected, and the October 2020 ceasefire agreement fully implemented, while the work of the Independent Fact- Finding Mission on Libya set up last year should continue to be supported and reinforced. Mercenaries, foreign fighters and forces must withdraw from Libya, and the arms embargo must be respected. In the run-up to Libya’s upcoming national elections, this process should continue to be strengthened with the adoption of the necessary social and economic reforms combined with an underlying national reconciliation process. All of this should translate to, amongst others, the unification of state institutions, the commencing of security sector reform, as well as disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“As prospective elected members of the Security Council, Malta believes that refocusing and revitalizing our efforts at addressing and mitigating tensions is paramount. More must be done to assist the main actors on the ground and to address the root causes of conflict. Such goals can be achieved by providing basic needs, which instability and conflict has taken away, whether it is basic education, literacy or food security. On this occasion I have to say a few words on Libya. The future of Libya must remain at the forefront of our common agenda for international peace and stability. The international community needs to provide support to the Libyan authorities, under the auspices of the United Nations, to make sure that the political transition is a successful one — for the Libyan people, the region, the African Continent and the world.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Malta on the Security Council will continue to stress the need to include women and youths in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. Their voices must be heard if we are to build fair and inclusive societies. Just as peace agreements have been seen to last longer when women and youths are present at the peace table, so can women and youth contribute to various spheres of society, and ensure that all voices are heard and the needs of the most vulnerable are met. It is our responsibility to ensure that women are given the space to become enablers for change. It is similarly our responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment where our society can flourish, a commitment that cannot easily be achieved when peace and security continues to be threatened across the continents.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Digitalization will benefit and empower humanity if it is accessible to all our peoples, even those in the most remote parts of the world. Mr President, Another common goal and shared priority is that of ensuring human rights remain at the core of what we do. The full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms is a priority for Malta, and we are especially concerned with reports of increased violence against women around the world. Our systems must be strengthened to prevent the proliferation of this scourge. We must ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, victims are supported, and an enabling environment is created for women to be able to fully, equally, and effectively participate in public life.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Small Island States face challenges regarding their critical infrastructure, but in parallel, can also demonstrate how effective the community-based approach is. As our society will go through a digital transition in parallel with the climate one, as a country we also advocate the need to close the digital gap across nations to ensure a level playing field. Although Malta enjoys a positive and professional relationship as a ‘Digital Island’, we aim to further enhance our potential in the field and fast track our digital transformation. Our aim is to implement modernised and secure digital services that are accessible to all. These efforts will circumvent any of the disruptions caused by COVID-19 notably in the economy, education, health and public administration.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We need to act before it is too late. To this effect, as a country we have been actively and continuously working within the relevant UN Structures and with other Member States to raise awareness on the needs and capabilities of such countries. Our belief is that genuine and durable partnerships can assist in the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals, the fight against climate change and the opportunities for decarbonisation, as well as in addressing the threats to our ocean and the potential we share to develop the Blue Economy. As a founding member of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States, Malta’s goal is to become a leader in Small Island State Governance, standing ready to share our plans on decarbonisation and also digitalisation.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Climate change by itself, and as a threat multiplier, poses significant challenges that may exacerbate long-existing vulnerabilities and emerging conflicts as well as threaten the very existence of some countries and regions. In view of this, the relationship between climate and security will be high on Malta’s agenda if elected to the UN Security Council for the term 2023-2024. As part of this agenda, we will place particular emphasis on bridging the gap between science and global security concerns, especially the ocean, as the single largest habitat on our planet. Malta is committed to ensuring that the voices of those States mostly affected by the impacts of Climate Change are heard. As we are continuously witnessing, climate change is triggering severe and frequent weather phenomena that bring entire regions and States to their knees.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Despite the severe economic impact COVID-19 has had upon national finances, our programme for an ambitious decarbonisation programme has not waivered. As one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change within the EU, Malta is a keen advocate in favour of a focus on adaptation. Small Island States are amongst the lowest emitters but the most vulnerable to climate change. We also have limited options to reduce emissions, leading us to incur higher marginal and disproportionate abatement costs. As leaders, we have a significant role to play and the responsibility to act without delay. In this regard, I welcome the adoption, earlier this year, of an EU strategy on adaptation and the renewed focus on this topic by the UN.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“As political leaders the major responsibility falls upon us but we must engage with the private sector, academia, and entities from all walks of life to stop human induced climate change and seek solutions to adapt to its negative repercussions after we have done all we can to mitigate it. In this regard, a successful COP26 is critical to meet our long-term climate neutrality objective. I am proud to state that achieving carbon neutrality is one of the five major pillars of my country’s economic vision for 2030. My government has adopted a Low Carbon Development Strategy that integrates mitigation with adaptation, which includes significant investments in the sectors of waste management, road transport, renewable energy and the energy efficiency of buildings.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“While we refocus our efforts on recovering together, we have to work and collaborate with the UN and other organizations to usher in a more networked and inclusive multilateral approach, to echo what the Secretary-General stressed in his International Day of Diplomacy Message earlier this year. It is also the best form of preparedness against the global challenges that are impacting us all, particularly Climate Change. Only through collective efforts that transform our present economic model into one that truly fosters social and environmental cohesion, can we truly and effectively respond to the needs of our planet responsibly, by building networks at all levels to foster a change in mind set across all strata of society.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The EU Digital COVID Certificate, for example, was a successful step forward to recovery via tourism. I also believe that upon assessing the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to rethink our basic economic model and adapt it to similar events which are likely to take place in the future. With this in mind, I firmly support the idea of an inclusive and resilient postpandemic recovery that is based on an open and rules-based approach to international trade and foreign direct investment. Action should be focused on ensuring the proper implementation of existing rules, as well as the negotiation and implementation of new rules on issues that have emerged over the years. Fair competition should be at the heart of any approach for a post-pandemic economic recovery.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Malta has formulated a post COVID-19 strategy that places the community at the centre stage. The strategy was formulated using a bottom-up approach that looks at our strengths, vulnerabilities and potential in a bid to make Malta a smarter and more resilient economy. Mr. President The pandemic has significantly slowed global economic activity and the effects represent one of the largest international economic shocks the world has experienced in recent decades. As the global trade environment continues to be in a state of flux, ensuring an economic, environmental and social recovery that is fair and inclusive is of the utmost importance. Debt guarantees, financial aid, and loans from international financial institutions are required in order to provide the impetus for economic recovery and revitalisation.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Whilst I am proud to say that as of today, Malta has vaccinated around 91 per cent of its population, we stand fully committed to vaccine sharing with countries in need. It is in this spirit that this summer, Malta donated 40,000 vaccine doses to Libya and we will donate even further with the aim of helping our neighbouring country get a million doses by the end of this year. Despite all the ongoing efforts, however, the crisis is far from over. Echoing the words of the United Nations Secretary-General, a significant push at the highest political level is needed to reverse some of the effects of the pandemic, avoid a global recession, and get back on track to fulfil the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development within this Decade of Action and Delivery.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The principles of “leaving no one behind” and “building back better,” must be implemented by providing and mobilizing sufficient aid and resources; ensuring that, for example, vaccines are fairly distributed to those who urgently require them and ensuring a level playing field by assisting regions of the world that continue to have difficulties in importing vaccines. This is why Malta is a proud co-sponsor of UN Security Council Resolution that seeks to ensure equitable and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines in armed conflict and post-conflict situations, and during complex humanitarian emergencies. And as a nation we welcome the work being undertaken to address vaccine inequality.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“As we slowly emerge from the pandemic, we must come together to forge ahead with plans that demonstrate our determination and commitment to a strong recovery that leads to a more equal, inclusive, resilient and sustainable world. Here, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and refer to the fact that for the first time in 20 years, the World Bank announced a significant rise in poverty numbers, with the 2021 figures showing an estimated increase in COVID-19induced poor of between 143 and 163 million. This means that the goal of bringing the global absolute poverty rate to less than 3 per cent by 2030, is now beyond reach unless we embark on swift, significant, and targeted policy actions. We cannot afford to respond to the devastating effects of COVID-19 merely by limiting ourselves to rhetoric.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“These are immensely challenging times, and as country leaders we have to also deal with increasing isolation and the fear that COVID-19 caused among our citizens. The height of the pandemic necessitated unprecedented sacrifice and restrictions that affected our freedom of movement, severely disrupted the education of children and young people, left millions jobless, and isolated the most vulnerable around the world. Yet this experience also taught us that we could defeat hopelessness by supporting each other, by pooling our knowledge base, our scientific research and by offering humanitarian support. It is this spirit of multilateralism that supported our determination to tackle the pandemic, and it is this same spirit that will enable us to build a strong and sustainable future together.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Mr President Mr Secretary General Distinguished Delegates, Before COVID-19 nearly two years ago, we were planning to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations by reinvigorating multilateralism. As the pandemic struck and disrupted all States, large and small, it showed us that only when working together can we tackle common challenges. If anything, COVID only reaffirmed the priority of multilateralism, and that it is the key to a strong and sustainable future. As the international community present here today, we would all agree that this pandemic was not just a health crisis: but a multifaceted one, due to its domino effect upon our humanitarian, security, human rights and socioeconomic stability. We mourn the tragic loss of life it has caused, despite all our efforts.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary since the setting up of the United Nations, if we want to ensure that its legacy lives on, we need to act now. To do this we cannot shy away from working together. Firm in this belief, Malta is seeking to serve the international community within the highest and most important of bodies. A country whose aspiration is to promote peace and security, equality, social solidarity, Malta is seeking election as a non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2023-2024. Thank you”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Therefore, Mr President Excellencies My parting message in this first virtual United Nations General Assembly is on the importance of multilateralism. The effect of this health crisis will be felt for much longer than expected unless we engage in the strategic rebuilding of social and economic systems. And this can only be made possible using a multilateral approach, based on the principles of social justice and solidarity, that leave no one behind. Going forward, we need a frank discussion on how to ensure resilience in our supply chains. The objective, should be that of strengthening and stabilising our commercial ties and seeking cooperative approaches to address any future crisis that might with similar implications to the one we are experiencing today.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The UN can also support States in the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the Global Compact for Refugees adopted in December 2018. Migration is a phenomenon that needs to be managed not turned into a business commodity traded at the cost of the most vulnerable. Furthermore, at a time when the international community is still seeking to chart the way forward in an ever-uncertain landscape, the role of multilateral institutions — with the United Nations at their core — remains crucial to preserving stability and security and addressing threats that defy physical or imagined borders. It is for this reason that our future should be one where multilateralism is indispensable.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“On this, Interpol has advised that the COVID-19 pandemic has not blunted the determination of organised crime groups to prey on the vulnerable and make a profit from these crimes, which all too often cost these victims their life. Malta, as one of the frontline countries at the EU’s external border, is faced every day with irregular crossings. These people want a better life but my country is small and our capacity to handle such flows is very limited. The EU has today launched its migration package but the UN also has a major role in addressing this human and global challenge. It must work with its agencies and partners around the world to help people build a better life so that less people are victims of people smugglers and lives are saved.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In this vein, I cannot but add my voice to that of others to identify a good humane approach to deal with the global challenges being brought about by illegal migration. In the past 12 months Malta become a member of the UNHCR Executive Committee and acceded to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, and more recently, it officially joined the UNODC Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking. But unfortunately, in recent months we have also seen an exacerbation of the situation with COVID19 having a major impact on migrants and refugees. Furthermore, the socio-economic impact of the pandemic on migrants and refugees, the loss of livelihoods and the significant blow to remittances worldwide are expected to create a situation where more people are vulnerable to exploitation by smugglers and human traffickers.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“This is why, when we announced my country’s long-term economic vision for 2050 a couple of days ago, we made it a point to include carbon neutrality as one of its pillars of our economic policy. As economic growth has very little meaning if people are not living a better life. We must therefore invest all our efforts to address challenges related to pollution, air quality, cleanliness and emmissions. We cannot forget the millions of premature deaths linked to air pollution every year. We have an obligation to act without delay. Mr President, To conclude and above all I we look forward towards a secure future, where victims and peoples who are most at risk feel protected and safeguarded.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“This is a time for solidarity and for continued collaboration to mitigate the crisis — each individual’s health depends on the health of us all. Mr President, Before concluding, I must say a couple of words about the deep rooted link between humans and the environment. Whilst the immediate priority of countries around the globe is the restarting of the economy and the protection of people’s health, we cannot side-line environmental issues and the need to move closer to carbon neutrality. It is for this reason that I look towards a future where we have a carbon neutral planet by 2050. Because if anything, the pandemic has highlighted the value of our quality of life and the protection of human health.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“It is for this reason that I look towards a future where the global public good is upheld above all. It is with pride to note that throughout this pandemic, Malta has worked in close collaboration with the World Health Organization and European Centre for Disease, following guidelines and contributing regularly through the sharing of best practices at ministerial level in regular European Region and global updates, as well as bilaterally at country level. We strongly support the WHO in its work. And for this reason we advocate for WHO’s important role in ensuring early, equitable and universal access to a safe, quality, and, effective COVID-19 vaccine, as a global public good, once this becomes available. Only by joining forces can we prevent, contain and stop transmission in order to bring the pandemic to an end.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights are fundamental to the success of the public health response and recovery from the pandemic, which is why it is imperative that these rights are fully respected even in difficult times such as the present. With this in mind, we made it a must that our integrated approach was disability inclusive and thus ensured that this equally important section of our society is safeguarded and protected. The outbreak of this pandemic put a spotlight on the resilience of health systems. I hereby quote the United Nations Secretary General when I say “we are only as strong as the weakest health system.” We all have a lot to learn from each other, and this pandemic has shown that international cooperation and collaboration across continents is paramount.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In doing so, we are also adapting to the situation, learning from the opportunities that have surfaced to increase our competitiveness and growth. Looking ahead, prior to the pandemic there were already discussions taking place at international level regarding the implications of technology on the future of work, the role of digitalisation and the green transition. That future has arrived sooner than anticipated. It is up to us to shape this future. Mr President, We can all agree Covid-19 has been a wake up call. Pandemics know no creed, ethnicity, gender or social standing. We are all equally susceptible and potential victims. It has been indeed a lesson in humility. It is with this in mind that I look towards a future that is all about giving a voice.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Our priority for the upcoming period is to continue building on what has been achieved so far by enhancing labour market access for all groups through continued upskilling, labour market incentives and by facilitating the transitions towards labour market participation as well as working towards promoting long term employability. It is for this reason that we are seeking to prepare our youths for their future. For if we cannot prepare a future for our youths, we owe it to them to provide them with the skills and tools necessary to succeed. Investment in education and training, outlines Malta’s long-term strategic outlook for an up-skilled society which is able to adapt to a modern, digital and sustainable labour market.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Despite the urgency of the matter and the necessary short-term measures that needed to be implemented, we always kept in view the long-term repercussions of the pandemic on the world of work, and tailored measures to provide protections for both employees and employers alike. This resulted in around 25,500 jobs out of a workforce of around 250,000 being saved while protecting many businesses from closing their doors. Today Malta’s employment rate has also exceeded both the national and EU headline targets for Europe 2020. And as we look towards a “new normal”, Malta continues to work towards taking a human-centred approach to reform related to the world of work.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The overall positive labour market outlook is a direct result of an integrated make-work-pay reform package aimed at investing in human capital through a number of targeted policies and measures to reach those groups identified at being most at risk of labour market alienation. The exponential economic growth which Malta has experienced in the last few years has been connected with sustained employment. And prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Malta enjoyed the highest employment growth rate in the European Union. To protect our achievements, during Malta’s worst period of the COVID-19 pandemic, we encouraged employers to implement, where possible, teleworking, flexible working hours and to implement temporary short-time working conditions so to avoid redundancies.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Keeping this in mind, Malta implemented a series of social security measures in order to deal with the economic and social impact of the pandemic, ensuring that the economy remains afloat, safeguarding jobs, and assisting workers and vulnerable persons. Social benefits helped to alleviate the financial difficulties. To date, almost half a billion euro were paid out in contributory benefits whereas almost hundred million euro were paid out in non-contributory benefits. As Heads of Governments we have a strong responsibility to protect our workers. For in protecting livelihoods, we are protecting our social fabric. Malta holds a strong track record in the field of employment.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In all this, in hindsight, if I had to single out one area which was more important than others, this would be the world of work. The pandemic has devastated the world of work, laying bare the extreme vulnerability of millions of workers and enterprises. The virus does not discriminate in medical terms, however it has brought to the fore major inequalities which have been further exacerbated through threats to livelihoods. This has brought a dramatic increase in poverty, and the warning from the World Food Programme that the next pandemic we face could be one of hunger. Therefore, in this case more than others, the future of our people is going to be determined by our actions today.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We put forward initiatives that prevented an even larger economic and financial downturn. Several measures were implemented as part of a financial package to help the Maltese economy during the COVID-19 outbreak, mainly aimed at easing pressures on the liquidity of businesses, protecting jobs and helping the most vulnerable during this challenging period. These included initiatives to protect employment and targeted assistance to those sectors that have been negatively affected. This through an economic package worth €1.81 billion, equal to 12.9 per cent of Malta’s GDP in 2019. We were helped in no small way by the fact that we are a small nation, which brings decision-makers in close proximity to those effected by the said decisions as well as ensuring that they are not insulated from realities on the ground.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In this regard, I want to commend the Security Council for endorsing the conclusions of the Berlin Conference on Libya through Resolution 2510 (2020) and support the request of the Security Council in tasking the Secretary General to implement those aspects ascribed to UNSMIL in the operationalisation paper of the Berlin process. In the same spirit, I wish to recall and reiterate the importance of the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2532 (2020), calling for a for a global ceasefire to address the pandemic. A pandemic that has affected economies at their core. A pandemic where we needed to act fast to implement tailored responses to aid the recovery when faced with increased poverty and inequality globally, as well a situation where wealth, progress and development were hindered. With this in mind, Malta acted swiftly.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“This will enable Libya to address challenges related to its already strained healthcare services, worn thin by the ongoing nine-year conflict, to the detriment of Libya and the Libyan People. At the same time, we must also ensure that all actors found violating international humanitarian law and human rights in Libya will be held accountable. This will send a clear message to all involved in the proxy war playing out in Libya that their impunity will not go unanswered. A political solution to the conflict in Libya remains the only viable solution. The driving force to resolve the conflict needs to be wholeheartedly Libyan-led and Libyan owned.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“This is an instrumental and constructive step to overcome the current stalemate and terminate all foreign interference in the country. Now is the time to translate the outcomes of the 5+5 Joint Military Committee into a permanent ceasefire to enable the resumption of talks with a view to achieve a successful political transition under the auspices of the United Nations. Similarly, the recent announcements made concerning the lifting of the blockade on oil infrastructure need to be substantiated and coupled with the implementation of economic reforms. Reforms that enhance the governance of Libya’s economic and financial institutions, and that enable the fair and transparent distribution of oil proceeds to all of Libya’s society.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“As the Prime Minister of a country that advocates peace and has a neutrality clause in its Constitution, I cannot but reiterate the message for all parties involved in such conflicts to desist from ongoing hostilities. To take immediate action to protect civilians within their areas of effective control. And to ensure the depoliticization of the humanitarian infrastructure, through the lifting of restrictions imposed on humanitarian workers and life-saving aid deliveries Against this background, Malta welcomes the announcements made by the Libyan President of the Presidential Council, His Excellency Fayez al-Serraj and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, H.E. Aguila Saleh, for a ceasefire in Libya.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“This we are currently doing also through our co-Chairing of the UN Steering Committee on Partnerships for Small Island Developing States. Malta has also contributed a significant percentage of its annual humanitarian budget towards appeals launched by United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, International Committee of the Red Cross, Food and Agricultural Organisation, United Nations Children-Fund and World Food Programme, in support of the agencies’ operations to mitigate the effects of the pandemic in vulnerable places. Aside from hunger, COVID-19 also posed another serious obstacle to the wellbeing of the alreadyvulnerable civilian populations of war-stricken countries.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Conscious that it is our collective responsibility to promote food security and provide adequate nutrition, under the initiative of “Solidarjeta’ Malta” — an initiative aimed at addressing food shortage in afflicted countries,we sent food to Namibia. Malta is a small country and our contribution is an act of solidarity with the people, taking into consideration the effects the severe drought the country had experienced. This initiative fed around half a million persons in Namibia, prevented food waste in Malta and yielded an opportunity for the long-term benefit of both countries. It also puts into practice our belief that we cannot build our future without helping others to build theirs. We need to establish meaningful and effective partnerships through which to combine efforts and programmes for more substantial and durable results.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Reaching out to the hardest hit countries, the most fragile economies and also those populations in vulnerable situations remains crucial. Here, I wish to recall a point that in my opinion is very important — food security. This goes hand in hand with agriculture and has also been highlighted in the Global Humanitarian Response Plan and recognised as one of the strategic priorities to mitigate the problems associated with hunger. The agricultural sector is the fulcrum if we want to end hunger. We need to continue working on achieving a more sustainable agriculture through adaptation of sustainable practices. Practices that respect our ecosystem and our environment. Earlier this year, at the height of the pandemic, Malta was facing a crisis in its agricultural exports.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)