Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion Carmelo Abela delivered a keynote address at the Malta Model United Nations Conference 2017: Death of the Border: Eliminating Lines of Demarcation between States, in Birgu. The Minister spoke of the struggle for the sovereignty of states and the worldwide phenomenon of globalisation.

Minister Abela mentioned five viewpoints: borders and the State, migration, multilateralism, non-state actors, and sovereignty.

When it comes to borders and the State, the Minister said that the recent past has been "tainted by the scourge of terrorism" which, in certain cases, can be home-grown, adding however that sealed borders are not the answer. "Where would this leave those seeking free movement or refuge?"

Borders, and their protection are still very much a bone of contention when it comes to relations between states. "In a world that clings on to the benefits of open trade, states frequently throw in reminders of geographic might, drawing new lines, or seeking to revive old ones".

Speaking of migration, the Minister argued that irregular migration is challenging borders on a daily basis, and even though the UN Refugee Convention recognises that refugees have a right to enter a country for the purposes of seeking asylum, irrespective of how they arrive or whether they hold valid travel or identity documents, situations on the ground are leaving policy-makers in murky waters.

"This is the case due to the sheer number of persons seeking places of refuge, the processes involved in determining whether international protection is to be afforded, and issues in respect of how to proceed when individuals are not entitled to such protection".

As a member of the Schengen Area, the Minister explained that Malta's real border is affecting the area's external border. "Whilst opting to share our sovereignty with the other EU member states, we have established common systems of ongoing information and data exchange and cooperation between law enforcement authorities to safeguard our security. So, the real challenge is how to reach a balance between security and freedom of movement".

The Minister raised the question of whether we are pursuing multilateralism in order to be rid of demarcation lines between states, or if we are emphasising these demarcation lines. "Realism continues to hit hard on this point: the role of international organisations in securing peace, security, and economic well-being has changed drastically from the high hopes characterising these organisations in their infancies".

On the one hand, we have multilateral issues that continue to transcend the State and are constantly calling for more cooperation and at the same time, the 'us and them' mentality unfortunately still prevails, heightening division lines between states.

"The United Nations veto issue is one example. Malta has and is actively involved in the UN Security Council reform debate. The reality is that the veto power has, on numerous occasions, stood in the way of important decisions and work done by most sovereign states".

Speaking of non-state actors and sovereignty, the Minister said that today's world order sees actors which are greater than the state itself. From multinational companies, finance giants, pharmaceuticals, and powerful media organisations, to violent terrorist organisations, "these new powers are all influencing states in their own specific and unique ways. As the number of players increases and as states are now dealing with conflict coming also from within, the balance becomes even more delicate. Where does this leave sovereignty and its bordered realm?"

The Minister concluded by congratulating those involved in the organisation of the three-day conference fostering research, critical analysis, public speaking, debating, networking, and teamwork among the youth. "This helps shape our creative leaders of tomorrow which is something our ministry and this government commends".

More information can be found at http://www.maltmun.org.mt/.