Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo officially appointed Mr Matthew Micallef St John and Ms Emma De Gabriele as Malta’s first ever United Nations Youth Delegates during a ceremony at the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, while presenting them with their certificate of appointment.
The minister and the permanent secretary congratulated both delegates on their accomplishment in being selected as Malta’s Youth Delegates following a public call and a competitive selection process.
The minister reflected on the added value in entrusting youth to contribute towards enhancing dialogue and cooperation at an international level and extended his best wishes to Matthew and Emma. He also stated that the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs is fully committed to empower the youth also within the realm of international relations by providing them with opportunities to contribute towards peace and security at an international level.
Permanent Secretary Christopher Cutajar stated that through this appointment the ministry is committed to invest in youth to help them reach their potential, an initiative which is based on the ministry’s conviction that youth have a valuable contribution to make. He also emphasised the need to cultivate the potential and qualities of youth by offering them such opportunities.
As UN Youth Delegates, and with the support of the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, Matthew and Emma will be in a position to engage with young people in Malta and with their counterparts at the United Nations in New York as well as other international fora, particularly on issues related to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations’ global mission and objectives. Their participation in such events will continue to raise the profile and awareness of the opinions of the Maltese youth regarding global issues and provide an opportunity to reflect their concerns in global discussions.
The United Nations Youth Delegates will be expected to represent a wide spectrum of youth interests in cooperation with the different Malta-based youth agencies and organisations.
Representatives of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, MALTMUN and Kunsill Nazzjonali Żgħażagħ attended the ceremony.
Photo (MFEA)
