Month: September 2025

Prime Minister Robert Abela meets students during Freshers’ Week at Junior College and the University of Malta

Prime Minister Robert Abela, during meetings with students at Ġ.F. Abela Junior College and the University of Malta as part of this year’s Freshers’ Week, underlined the importance of continuing one’s studies as a means of moving forward in life. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to stand alongside students in helping them achieve their ambitions and aspirations. The Prime Minister stressed that stipends will remain in place to support students throughout their educational journey.

“We are the Government that doubled stipends. Today we are providing twice the support compared to previous administrations, with an investment of over €40 million,” said Prime Minister Abela, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr Lydia Abela. Together, they engaged with many students and discussed a wide range of issues.

The Prime Minister further emphasised that the Government is determined to continue offering the very best to young people and their families throughout an educational path that extends beyond compulsory education. He noted that Malta’s rate of early school leavers has fallen below 10%, and efforts must continue to reduce this even further. He highlighted the annual €500 grant, available for three years, up to a maximum of €1,500, which has provided valuable support to parents and students who remain in education. This year, more than 12,000 parents, representing nearly 14,000 students are benefitting from this measure, with a total investment of €7 million dedicated to supporting continued studies.

In open discussions with students at both Junior College and the University, the Prime Minister also underlined the importance of youth activism, encouraging young people to keep driving forward fresh ideas to help improve the country. He referred to the Youth Advisory Forum, now in its second term, which serves as a Youth Cabinet where the government engages directly with young people on key issues.

During Freshers’ Week, Prime Minister Abela, together with Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, also toured various stands, including those of student organisations. The new academic year welcomes around 5,200 students at the University of Malta, including 2,100 who will be undertaking postgraduate courses. At Junior College, there are about 2,100 students studying, with half of them being new students.

Il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela indirizza t-80 Sessjoni tal-Assemblea Ġenerali tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti li qed titlaqqa’ fi New York. Id-diskors mehmuż qed ikun ippubblikat.

Youth policy and climate action interventions lead up to Malta’s keynote address at UN assembly on Friday

Addressing the Fifth Summit of the Crimea Platform at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, presided over by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Robert Abela reaffirmed Malta’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Abela underscored that eleven years since its forced annexation, the Russian Federation continues to assert its illegitimate occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol, in direct violation of the UN Charter. He stressed that the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity is not only essential for Ukraine itself, but also a crucial step toward establishing a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with Ukrainian residents enduring Russian occupation in Crimea, condemning Moscow’s systematic attempts to erase Ukraine’s national identity and way of life. He noted that Russia’s actions, including the forced imposition of Russian citizenship, military suppression, and intimidation, are aimed at permanently altering the demographic and cultural fabric of the Crimean Peninsula and other occupied territories.

He also drew attention to the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children from Crimea, actions which he said amount to deliberate efforts to change the identity and citizenship of minors.

Speaking in Malta’s capacity as the current Presidency of the Council of Europe, the Prime Minister emphasised his government’s determination to prioritise the protection of children affected by Russia’s war of aggression. He pledged that Malta would continue to advocate for the immediate and safe return of all forcibly displaced Ukrainian children to their homeland, including those taken from Crimea.

Concluding his intervention, Prime Minister Abela stressed that the rightful reintegration of the Crimean Peninsula as part of Ukraine is non-negotiable, and urged the Russian Federation to immediately reverse its illegal occupation of Crimea along with the territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.

The summit closed with the adoption of the ‘New York Declaration’, in which participants reaffirmed their shared determination to intensify diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian efforts to end Russia’s unlawful occupation and to ensure accountability for its violations of international law.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg.

The Prime Minister also addressed the World Programme Action for Youth Summit stressing the need to value the voice of youths in decision making.

He stated that when youths are given real space for input, it is they who come up with some of the most viable solutions. Hereby he referenced the Youth Advisory Forum which was appointed in Malta, and which is acting as a veritable Youth Cabinet of Ministers.

The Prime Minister shared his speaking time with Chloe Cauchi, a Maltese lawyer who serves as a Youth delegate for Malta in the United Nations. She mentioned investment in education and decent work, the protection of young people’s rights, mental health and access to digital tools as themes that the UN should prioritise on the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Action for Youth programme.  EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef also addressed this event.

Malta also co-hosted a separate summit zoning-in on the theme of rising sea levels as a result of climate change.

The Prime Minister reiterated that climate change remains a serious issue for countries with areas close to or below sea level.

“While in Malta we have systems and ongoing studies that monitor similar areas – it is important to continue following international action on the matter, while offering a helping hand to other countries that require Malta’s experience in the matter,” Dr Abela said.

Diplomatic meetings, wider engagements taking place during UNGA week

In the days following the historic speech by which Malta recognised the Palestinian state, the work of the Maltese delegation continued with various meetings and contributions in topical debates.

During a UN meeting on the rights of LGBTIQ persons, Prime Minister Robert Abela reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to equality, with an emphasis on the challenges faced by LGBTIQ youths. He stressed that while the UN Charter promises rights for all, young people still face exclusion and bullying because of their gender. Emphasising Malta’s own reforms as a result of inclusive education, community initiatives, and the creation of safe spaces, he explained that challenges such as online hate speech and access to mental health, still persist. He concluded by encouraging collective action for a future where every young person can live with dignity and pride.

The Prime Minister also addressed the “Sustainable, inclusive and resilient global economy”, a Summit where he spoke about lending to developing countries and the need to make such support more accessible. “As the everyday economic reality of Maltese families continues to improve, our responsibility to speak on behalf of developing nations, remains,” said Prime Minister Abela. The Prime Minister also stressed on the need for this assistance to go to the people and have an impact on their daily lives.

During another meeting this time at the Maltese Embassy in New York, the Prime Minister met with a delegation from global company – Amazon. The Amazon delegation was made up of Amazon Vice President Susan Pointer and Amazon Web Service Director Franco Spicciariello. Prime Minister Abela was accompanied by Head of Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister Col. Mark Mallia.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the Malta 2050 vision is attracting renewed interest in Malta. “Through the opportunities that this long-term vision can create for our country, we can see major companies edging closer the Malta’s business and technology ecosystem.”

Amazon, through its Amazon Web services (AWS) cloud division, expressed strong interest in strengthening its relationship with Malta. AWS already serves several clients locally and recognises Malta’s significant progress in digital and technological innovation. The company spoke about its programmes in support of start-ups and digital skills as areas that could be of greater benefit to Malta. Amazon’s representatives also highlighted how Malta’s 2050 vision aligns with the long-term AWS strategy and how a sound regulatory environment can serve to attract and grow investment.

Prime Minister Robert Abela held a constructive meeting with European Council President António Costa on the margins of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York.

Discussions focused on how the European Union can deliver tangible benefits for Maltese citizens, with particular attention to the forthcoming EU budget, climate action, and Europe’s competitiveness in an increasingly challenging global context. Both sides underlined the importance of ensuring that all member states, large and small, share equally in the Union’s progress and opportunities.

The Prime Minister stressed Malta’s determination to ensure that the advantages of EU membership are felt by every citizen in their daily lives. This includes creating new economic opportunities, building stronger European connections, and shaping a Union that is fair, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of its people.

“Malta is determined to play an active role in shaping the European agenda,” the Prime Minister said following the meeting. “We want to see a Union that supports our competitiveness, invests in our people, and drives forward bold action on climate. Above all, we want the EU to continue delivering real benefits for every Maltese citizen.”

President Costa and Prime Minister Abela reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, particularly as the EU prepares for its next budget cycle and advances its climate and competitiveness strategies. Both agreed on the need for ambitious yet fair policies that leave no member state behind.

The meeting formed part of Malta’s wider diplomatic engagement during the UN General Assembly, where global and regional priorities are being actively discussed.

Prime Minister Robert Abela was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, the Head of Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister Colonel Mark Mallia, and the Director General of the EU Coordination Department Leandro Borg.