A Maltese Parliamentary delegation participated in various parliamentary committees of the Parliamentary Assembly Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM) as part of the PA-UfM Forum and Speakers Summit, which is taking place in Cairo. The main theme debated during this Conference focuses on how to promote economic cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean by revitalising the Barcelona Process on its 30th anniversary.
Carmelo Abela while addressing the Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights pointed out that the Mediterranean region should be seen as one whole region not divided between the North and the South. He continued by stating that the enemy of economic growth and prosperity are conflicts and instability and therefore everyone should contribute to achieve more stability in the region. Abela stressed that the key that opens the gate for success in every nation and in every region is education and therefore a Mediterranean University connecting students is very important. He stated that the fact that the EU is planning to open the Erasmus + to students from the Southern shore of the Mediterranean is a positive step going forward. Abela concluded his intervention by stating that better connectivity is needed between the Mediterranean states to improve tourism, trade and transport between the countries in the region.
Amanda Spiteri Grech addressed the Women’s Right Committee which discussed the importance of female participation in the blue economy. Spiteri Grech spoke about the vitality of the Mediterranean Sea for our sustainability. She stressed that while the sea that we share is important to us all it is also very fragile. She emphasised that equality is not achieved by hope but is achieved by decision. She pointed out that our task is not only to bring more women into the blue economy, but to ensure they can lead, decide, and shape its future. Spiteri Grech shared Malta’s example and its important role in the maritime sector. She mentioned Dr Ann Fenech, who became the first-ever female President of the Comité Maritime International in its 125-year history and Malta’s current junior minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dr Alicia Bugeja Said as women leading with vision and expertise. She concluded that women are showing that leadership in the blue economy is not defined by gender.
Bernice Bonello spoke during the Committee for improving quality of life, exchanges between civil societies and culture. She underlined that civil society and cultural engagement must be based on responsibility, transparency and service. She shared Malta’s experience through structured dialogue, cultural investment and civic accountability, emphasising that credibility is earned through purpose and results, not presumption. Bonello emphasised that Malta’s experience is about persistence. She concluded by stating that the efforts shown by the Maltese in restoring heritage sites, support creative industries and promote cultural diplomacy strengthen its social fabric.
The Maltese Parliamentary delegation is led by Speaker Angelo Farrugia who will be participating in the Speakers Summit that will be held in the Egyptian Parliament on Saturday 29th November.
Photo: HoR
