There should be peace around the world, not just between our borders in the Mediterranean but in regions beyond as well, Prime Minister Robert Abela said while addressing the ‘Meet in the Med’ conference.

He said that the values of peace are what unite us, continuing that he fully believes in the voices of young people who aspire to live in stable and prosperous communities.

The Office of the Prime Minister said that as he addressed the conference organised by the National Council for Youth, Abela said that the efforts of the youth are building a solid foundation for greater cooperation in favour of youth development. The OPM stated that the conference brought together youth representatives from the southern Mediterranean region to discuss important themes and collaborate on strategies regarding the realities and challenges faced by their generation. Themes included international cooperation, digitalisation, and sustainability, among others.

The Prime Minister spoke of how young people are the engine that drives progress and the needed changes. "We have the same aspirations, to live in a beautiful, clean, and safe country while enjoying quality time with our families," he commented.

Abela said that the government of Malta has confidence in young people and spoke of contact made with the Youth Advisory Forum to discuss challenges such as climate change, education, and work. He continued that is in addition to the confidence shown with the nomination of Glenn Micallef for the post of European Commissioner, to which he was assigned the potential portfolio of young people. Abela remarked that Malta’s nominee will be at the forefront of shaping the future of Europe in relation to young people.

Keith Azzopardi Tanti, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, also spoke at the conference. He said that the participation of young people in policymaking is a reality that the Maltese government is committed to continue implementing through various initiatives. He spoke of initiatives such as Vote 16, the Youth Advisory Forum, and Youth Proofing. “Malta continues to lead by example,” he remarked, continuing that the government is creating structures which ensure that young people are involved in the decision-making process.

Azzopardi Tanti concluded by encouraging more countries to “follow this example”, which he said leads to the development of an inclusive policy which has young people at its centre.