Prime Minister Robert Abela was among a number of dignitaries who addressed the second Summit for Democracy organized by the President of the United States Joe Biden.
“Excellencies.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
The ongoing aggression against Ukraine is a blatant violation of the
core values of democracy: human rights, territorial integrity,
sovereignty, and the rule of law.
This Summit comes at the right time to send a collective and
unequivocal message: together, we stand with Ukraine, and uphold
their right to peace, freedom, and democracy.
Excellencies,
Since the last Summit for Democracy, Malta has worked tirelessly to
deliver on our commitments and to identify new goals.
We took decisive action to step up our fight against money laundering
and corruption, implementing the recommendations of the Financial
Action Task Force.
Through extensive collaboration with stakeholders and dedication,
last June, the FATF recognised our significant progress, leading to
Malta’s removal from the list of jurisdictions under increased
monitoring.
Another priority was reinforcing Media as one of the main pillars of
Democracy. A Committee of Experts on the Media was established to analyse the journalistic and media sector, as well as to give feedback on legislative instruments proposed by Government to Parliament, aimed at affording the highest level of protection to journalists in Malta.
The overall goal was to consolidate the role of journalists and their
significant contribution to the functioning of democracy.
Anti-SLAPP provisions as well as increases to penalties for crimes against journalists, and limitations to libel suits against deceased authors, will also be introduced as part of our commitment to advance democracy.
Democratic values are and will remain at the heart of our policies.
We are working to deliver improved access to justice and information.
I am pleased to share that the Strategy for the Digitalisation of the Law Courts, a commitment made at last year’s Summit has been finalised and is being implemented.
Malta is convinced that society cannot reach its full potential without
enabling every individual to thrive without gender-based obstacles.
We are determined to continue to build on the progress made and
spearhead further reforms. To this end, the first Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan was launched last year. This strategy aims at identifying and eradicating gender obstacles, biases, and stereotypes by strengthening the gender perspective at all levels and stages of policy
making.
Gender democracy is fundamental and remains a key priority for my
government.
To conclude, Malta is proud to be part of the Summit for Democracy
process. We stand firm in our resolve to work with all of you, on an
ambitious set of commitments. Our action, or inaction, will determine our future.
And I believe collective action, is crucial for our future.
