The Foreign Ministry yesterday gave details of Malta’s Overseas Development Policy, a document intended to provide a framework for humanitarian assistance to third world countries.
Presenting the document, Foreign Minister Michael Frendo said: “We need to create more awareness on the need for Malta to contribute to the economic and social development of third countries”.
Back in September 2000, Malta committed itself, together with the other members of the United Nations (UN), to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by 2015, mainly aimed at extending assistance to developing and less developed countries.
Dr Frendo said Malta was obliged to compile the policy, but it is also in the country’s interest to contribute to the development of third countries, particularly in the fight against poverty, which is one of the main sources of irregular migration.
The policy document was formulated in line with strategic objective 18 of Malta’s foreign policy, which states that the Foreign Ministry will elaborate a policy and work programme of humanitarian and development assistance, based on the value of solidarity.
The policy is based on the notion of combating poverty through development and ties in with the MDG and the European Union’s activity as the world’s largest contributor to development and humanitarian assistance, and where appropriate, seeking collaboration with international non-government organisations.
Malta’s first development policy document identifies 10 areas of focus, namely information and communication technology, democratisation and good governance, migration and asylum, education, training and human capacity development, health and HIV/AIDS, gender equality, children, climate change, trade and investment and water.
In order to achieve its aims, the ministry has strengthened its Development Unit, which could eventually be changed into an agency.
The unit will be responsible for developing and implementing a work plan for Maltese Overseas Development Assistance, which will be drawn up in consultation with civil society and non-government development organisations (NDGOs).
Minister Frendo also announced yesterday, that Malta will be one of the first contributors for a programme regarding climate change and its effect on small countries, conducted by the DiploFoundation. The ministry is seeking to provide about Lm10,733 (EUR25,000) assistance to fund the Lm64,395 (EUR150,000) project.
The DiploFoundation is a non-profit organisation which works to assist all countries, particularly those with limited human and financial resources to participate meaningfully in international affairs, through education and training programs, research, and the development of information and communications technologies for diplomatic activities.