Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ian Borg joined other leaders at the United Nations in New York to sign a declaration to strengthen the protection of humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
In a press release on Tuesday, it was announced that Borg is representing Malta in a series of high-level international engagements during the opening days of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), reaffirming Malta’s commitment to advancing peace, equality and multilateral cooperation.
On behalf of Malta, Borg joined other leaders to sign the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
This declaration, an initiative by Australia, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and other partners, pays tribute to humanitarian aid workers who lost their lives in conflict zones worldwide, while pledging to strengthen the protection of these personnel.
The signing comes a day after Malta and several other countries recognised the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Besides this important recognition, the Maltese delegation is engaged in several other high-level engagements this week.
“This is the most important week in international politics, here in New York, at the United Nations. The culmination of this week is the historic moment on Monday, when our Prime Minister, on behalf of the Republic of Malta, formally recognised the State of Palestine,” said Borg.
As Chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), Borg led the Group’s 70th Meeting and later presented its report to the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM), underscoring Malta’s active role in advancing Commonwealth cooperation and safeguarding democratic values throughout the Commonwealth.
“On these occasions, Malta takes the opportunity to promote our priorities, whether it is the concerns of island states, action on climate change, civil liberties, or progress on the rights of women and girls,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
This commitment was further underlined during his address at an event marking the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.
“From nearly doubling women’s representation in Parliament to reaching record female labour force participation, Malta has taken significant strides forward. But challenges remain, and we remain determined to ensure no woman or girl is left behind.”
Borg also participated in the EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, focusing on pressing regional and global challenges, underlining the importance of unity, solidarity, and a strong European voice in addressing international crises.
Malta’s engagements at UNGA will continue in the coming days.