In a press conference at the Parliament of Malta, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg launched the country’s priorities and programme for the United Nations Security Council Presidency which starts tomorrow, 1st February 2023.
During his speech, Minister Borg claimed that even though the work has been ongoing for many years, following Malta being elected on 10th June 2022 with 97.3% of the votes, our country intensified its work during the last months so that from tomorrow, the work programme can come into its full effect after the council members agree on it.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs explained how during the Maltese Presidency, four activities will be held which are expected to be attended by a number of dignitaries, including the United Nations Secretary General and the High Representative of the European Union.
The first debate will focus on the plight of children in conflict situations and the second activity will address the issue of sea level rise and its implications for peace and international security and its effect on small island states. The third activity will be an annual briefing on the relations between the European Union and the United Nations and the last activity will be a debate in connection to the first year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He claimed that the last three activities will be chaired by himself.
Minister Borg also explained the four primary priorities that he will be leading forward. “Our priorities are the protection of children who are in conflicts, the climate and the oceans, the role of women for peace and security, and literacy. We believe that these priorities, in thematic areas, are essential to the fulfilment of civil, political, social and economic rights around the world,” asserted Dr Borg.
He ended this press conference by thanking all the diplomats for their work.
