Mayors and local leaders from over 24 cities across the Middle East and North Africa, alongside civil society organizations and international partners, converged in Valletta for a conference organized by the Strong Cities Network in collaboration with the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law. Supported by the European Union under its STRIVE Cities Initiative and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the two-day event is aimed at exploring how local governments, in collaboration with national and international partners, can mitigate the impacts of migration on social cohesion.

The workshop focused and will focus on the importance of adopting a whole-of-society approach to address hate and extremism-related challenges, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue to collectively find solutions. In an interconnected world facing myriad security challenges, global solutions can only be achieved by ensuring that all actors, including local leaders, understand their responsibilities in mitigating and resolving threats to peace and security.

Malta, due to its strategic geographical positioning, has historically served as a point of contact between European countries and the northern shores of the Mediterranean.

The holding of the conference in Valletta highlighted the commitment of Malta to regional collaboration, acknowledging the shared historical, linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic ties with North African and Middle Eastern countries. Malta considers these nations not just as neighbours in geographical terms but as partners in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

These councils bring decision-making closer to the local constituency, fostering local democracy and delivering essential services that enhance the quality of life for the local community.

The vibrant capital city of Malta is a place where history and modernity converge in a tapestry of cultural richness. In a world facing an array of security challenges, the Strong Cities Network stands, in my view, as a beacon of hope and co-operation. We acknowledge the global challenge presented by violent extremism, and we firmly believe that such challenges demand global solutions. It is imperative that all actors, including local leaders, comprehend their responsibilities in mitigating and resolving threats to peace and security.

Malta, strategically positioned at the crossroads of European countries and the northern shores of the Mediterranean, has historically served as a bridge for dialogue and regional collaboration. Our unique geographical location has afforded us the opportunity to play a pivotal role in promoting understanding and cooperation among nations.

The island nation of Malta maintains longstanding and amicable relationships with countries in North Africa and the Middle East, considering them not just as neighbours in geographical terms, but also as partners with shared historical, linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic similarities. This proximity reinforces our commitment to fostering mutual collaboration for a flourishing and peaceful region.

At the heart of Malta's local governance structure are local councils, playing a vital role in community development. These councils bring decision-making closer to the interests of the local constituency, fostering local democracy and providing essential services that improve the quality of life and well-being of the local community.

Malta places great importance on the peace and stability of the Middle East and North African region, understanding its intrinsic connection to the peace and stability of the Mediterranean and Europe. We look forward to further collaboration, and we will continue to facilitate meetings to enhance the fight against the terrorist threat in our shared neighbourhood, which poses a threat to the region's peace and stability.

I would like to applaud the work of the Strong Cities Network in fostering collaboration and the exchange of best practices at the local level. We firmly believe that this holistic approach empowers cities to address the root causes of violent extremism, promote social cohesion, and enhance community resilience. It is through such comprehensive strategies that cities can become robust bastions of peace, tolerance, and prosperity for all.

Final Preparations for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest

The Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC) is the country's most popular televised event and it garners significant viewership.

The management and staff at Public Broadcasting Services Ltd are, as we speak, working around the clock to provide the viewers with a top-notch, high quality week-long event.

The event celebrates not only the talent of our local singers, but also provides a platform to all the artists and creatives involved, including authors, composers, designers, choreographers, and others contributing to the production.  Of course this festival ultimately provides a strong international platform to the eventual winner.

I visited the studios at PBS Ltd in order to personally thank all those involved in this hard work.  The preparations aim to ensure the festival's continued success year after year.

The national station TVM broadcasted special programs every day after the 8 pm news, featured interviews with the 12 MESC 2024 finalists, thus offering the public an opportunity to become better acquainted with the singers.

In a first for Maltese Eurovision history, the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) allocated a fund of €5,000 to each of the 12 finalists for producing music videos for their respective songs. Yesterday, a whole evening was dedicated to presenting the music video interpretations of each participant, providing an opportunity for the public to vote for the best music video alongside the jury's selection

Tonight, a special evening will feature all the singers taking a nostalgic journey through the Eurovision world until the final night of MESC 2024 on Saturday, February 3.

The final night will commence with solo performances by the singers in the Television House studios, serving as the backdrop for the televised spectacle of the year. After each participant delivers their performance, both the jury and the public will cast votes to select the song that will represent Malta in Malmo, Sweden, in May of this year.

I extend my heartfelt wishes for an incredible performance and a night filled with success. The talented artists showcasing their musical prowess are undoubtedly a testament to Malta's rich artistic landscape.

May the final be a canvas for their creativity to shine, captivating audiences with their unique voices and compelling performances. Good luck to all the participants, and may this moment be a celebration of the remarkable talent that Malta brings to the Eurovision stage.

Break a leg and make your country proud!