Deputy Prime Minister Borg signs Declaration for the protection of humanitarian aid workers in conflict zones
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and Tourism, Ian Borg, is representing Malta in a series of high-level international engagements during the opening days of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), reaffirming Malta’s commitment to advancing peace, equality, and multilateral cooperation.
“This is the most important week in international politics, here in New York, at the United Nations. The culmination of this week is the historic moment on Monday, when our Prime Minister, on behalf of the Republic of Malta, formally recognised the State of Palestine,” said Deputy Prime Minister Borg.
Besides this important recognition, the Maltese delegation is this week engaged in several other high-level engagements. As Chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), Dr Borg led the Group’s 70th Meeting and later presented its report to the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM), underscoring Malta’s active role in advancing Commonwealth cooperation and safeguarding democratic values throughout the Commonwealth.
“On these occasions, Malta takes the opportunity to promote our priorities, whether it is the concerns of island states, action on climate change, civil liberties, or progress on the rights of women and girls,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
This commitment was further underlined during his address at an event marking the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. “From nearly doubling women’s representation in Parliament to reaching record female labour force participation, Malta has taken significant strides forward. But challenges remain and we remain determined to ensure no woman or girl is left behind.”
At the UN Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Borg also joined other leaders to sign the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, on behalf of Malta. This declaration, an initiative by Australia, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and other partners, pays tribute to humanitarian aid workers who lost their lives in conflict zones across the world, while pledging to strengthen the protection of these personnel. It builds on Malta’s work during its term at the UN Security Council in 2023 and 2024, to advance the safeguarding of civilians and upholding international humanitarian law.
Deputy Prime Minister Borg also participated in the EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, focusing on pressing regional and global challenges, underlining the importance of unity, solidarity, and a strong European voice in addressing international crises.
These engagements highlight Malta’s proactive role in shaping the international agenda and promoting multilateral cooperation, from the European Union to the Commonwealth, while championing the core values of peace, equality, and human rights at the United Nations.
Malta’s engagements at UNGA will continue in the coming days.
Photo: MFT
