Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, underscored Malta’s unwavering commitment to peace, accountability, and the protection of children in conflict during Malta’s high-level engagements on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, this week.
The protection of children in conflict zones was high on Malta’s agenda. Deputy Prime Minister Borg took part in the High-Level Meeting on Restoring Childhood and Humanity-Advancing Peace in Ukraine Through the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, and the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting aimed to reinforce efforts for the safe return of Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported or forcibly transferred by the Russian Federation.
In his address during this event, Dr Borg stressed that “the best interests of the child must guide all actions. It is essential to ensure accountability for those responsible, and to embed the return of these children firmly within the broader pursuit of a just and lasting peace. Malta will continue to support Ukraine in these efforts so that every child can be reunited with their family, regain their identity, and live in dignity and security. This is our shared responsibility, and our collective commitment to the future – children must never be used as instruments of war.”
The Deputy Prime Minister also joined the UN Security Council Stakeout on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, firmly reiterating Malta’s stance that borders must never be changed by force and that peace must be just, lasting, and rooted in international law. Malta also participated in the High-Level Side Event on Ensuring Accountability for Ukraine, co-convened by the Group of Friends of Accountability following the Aggression against Ukraine.
Addressing the High-Level Event on Humanitarian Diplomacy in Action: Collective Response to the Crises in the Middle East, Dr Borg underlined Malta’s deep concern over the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. He echoed the UN Secretary General’s call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access, noting that over 5,000 children in Gaza have been diagnosed with malnutrition. “Hunger must never be met with bullets,” he declared, highlighting the urgent need for principled and transformative humanitarian diplomacy.
“During these events on the margins of UNGA, we continued to build on our international commitments, including the ongoing Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe. We also co-organised several initiatives, including at our embassy, many of which focused on a theme very close to our hearts: the protection of children in armed conflict. Through this effort, we keep strengthening Malta’s legacy from our tenure on the Security Council and the Chairpersonship of the OSCE, ensuring that children’s interests remain a central part of the international peace and security agenda,” Dr Borg commented.
The Deputy Prime Minister also participated in the EU-CELAC meeting, the OSCE Ministerial Troika meeting as well as several bilateral meetings. During a meeting between Malta and Andorra, Dr Borg joined the Foreign Minister of Andorra, Imma Tor Faus, in the signing of a new working holiday visa agreement, expanding opportunities for youth exchanges and enhanced collaboration between the people of the two countries
In New York, Dr Borg also participated in the Transatlantic Dinner, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reaffirming Malta’s commitment to strengthening transatlantic relations and advancing shared values.
Photo: ODPM-MFT
