Malta is launching "Climate Diplomacy: Empowerment for a Resilient Future", a new OSCE initiative to empower young diplomats and technical experts in discussions and policy decisions on climate change, the government said.
The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, through Malta's Permanent Representation to the OSCE, presented this initiative to representatives of the 57 participating states of this multilateral organisation gathered in St Julian's for the Maltese OSCE Chairpersonship's High-Level Conference on Climate Change, on Friday.
"This initiative will equip youth with the skills needed for informed engagement in international fora and for building preparedness against the security impacts of climate change. It will bring to the fore the main strengths that Malta can bring to the world from its own perspectives, and its long-standing efforts to foster collaboration to tackle this crucial threat to collective security in the OSCE region. Through Climate Diplomacy, Malta also aims to encourage other participating States to continue tackling climate change as part of a wider effort to strengthen resilience and enhance security, the key objective of the 2024 Maltese Chairpersonship of the OSCE," the government said.
Friday's conference, entitled "Strengthening Resilience through Innovation and Preparedness", was opened by the Chair-in-Office of the OSCE and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg.
"A critical impact factor of climate change is the scarcity of time. It is a fast-paced, swiftly evolving phenomenon. The urgency of acting now has never been greater. We must seek ways to adapt both politically and environmentally, and to mobilise effectively in facing this comprehensive threat," Minister Borg affirmed.
"The overarching theme of today's conference aligns with this ambition. Innovation and preparedness are paramount for strengthening climate resilience. It is this conviction that motivated us to launch our Climate Diplomacy initiative, as we step up Malta's regional and international efforts to promote youth empowerment as an essential component of a secure and sustainable future," Minister Borg said.
The opening session was also addressed by Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli. "Climate change is increasing threats and intensifying extreme weather events, posing significant risks to our people," she said, adding that "Malta, one of the first EU Member States to ratify the Paris Agreement, continues to lead by example through initiatives outlined in our 2021 Low Carbon Development Strategy, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050".
"I believe that the OSCE can serve as a pivotal platform to share innovative ideas and best practices, utilise its executive structures and Field Offices to support participating States in this joint endeavour to combat climate change and ensure a resilient future for all," Minister Dalli concluded.