“We firmly believe that the strength of Malta’s global presence lies in the bonds we maintain with our citizens abroad, which is why the Council for the Maltese Living Abroad is pivotal in its contribution to our country.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continue strengthening this Council when he was delivering the opening address of its 16th Annual Meeting, which was held on Wednesday and Thursday, at Palazzo Spinola, St Julian’s.
The Annual Meeting brought together council members representing Maltese diasporas from different countries, to discuss the future direction of the Council and the global Maltese diaspora.
While he commended the contributions of all past and present members of the Council, the Deputy Prime Minister encouraged them to continue working together to support Maltese communities across the world. “Together, we can ensure that the interests of the international Maltese community are well represented, well served, and ever evolving,” he said.
Minister Borg noted that in the past year, international challenges such as the climate crisis, geopolitical conflicts and worldwide supply chain disruptions have led to significant shifts in global mobility. Technological advancements and evolving economies are also reshaping movements and interactions across borders.
“These shifts are not just challenges but also opportunities for our diaspora, which continues to integrate and excel in all corners of the globe. The Maltese people have always been known for their resilience, adaptability, and strong sense of identity, and this remains true today. The importance of connectivity, especially in the face of the global challenges the world is facing presently, can never be overstated,” the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed.
He praised Malta’s active role in international diplomacy, citing its involvement in the United Nations Security Council and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) as examples of the country’s growing influence. He stressed that the Maltese diaspora plays an essential part in Malta’s global presence and future development.
Reflecting on recent initiatives, the Deputy Prime Minister mentioned the success of the Consul-on-the-Move programme, the joint information session between the Directorate for Consular Services and Maltese Living Abroad and Xjenza Malta, aimed at fostering collaboration among Maltese researchers living abroad, as well as the Maltese Citizenship Award initiative, now in its second year. One crucial item discussed in this year’s annual meeting is the legislative amendments to the Council for Maltese Living Abroad Act, which are currently in the final reviewing stages. These amendments are aimed at strengthening the representation of Maltese communities living abroad.
The agenda for this year’s meeting also included discussions with Ċentru tal-Ilsien Malti, as well as Xjenza Malta, amongst others. The Council for Maltese Living Abroad has 15 members, including representatives from Australia, the United States, the European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
