At the COP29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, last week, I stated that climate emergency is one of the most pressing crises the world faces. The devastating floods that killed 200 people in Spain last month and the powerful hurricanes Helene and Milton in the US speak for themselves.

On the COP29 agenda was the following topic: "Global Call to Put Cultural Heritage, Arts and the Creative Sectors at the Heart of Climate Action".

Brecht and art as a hammer

In my speech, I reflected on what the German playwright, Bertolt Brecht, once said: "Art is not a mirror held up to reality but a hammer with which to shape it."

Many believe, and of course, there is a high degree of truth to it, that technology is the solution to climate change.

But we must appreciate more the power of culture and the arts. Culture and the arts have a special power to inspire people. They help us rebuild our relationship with our planet, bring changes to the collective mindset of a civilisation, and are an effective means of bringing people together on issues that affect us in our daily lives.

UNESCO reports that nearly one-third of its 318 World Heritage sites are in vulnerable coastal areas.

Arts conveys emotions

Through numbers, statistics and percentages we can try and explain the impact of climate change on our lives: lives lost; flora and fauna extinguished; drastic changes in landscape; radical changes in temperatures, rising sea levels, but art can do a better job at that because artists, through their creations, can explain the ravaging effects of climate change in a more humane, inspirational and emotional manner that is understood by all.

Across the world, artists are using their creativity to confront climate change issues: they help us think about our relationship with the environment and better understand the pressing environmental problems of our times.

Malta at the forefront

Malta takes climate action very seriously. In December 1988, Malta asked the United Nations General Assembly to include climate change as a topic on its agenda and as a common concern for humankind.

The resolution UNGA 43/53 is a legendary one and is considered to be the genesis of this whole process. It puts the issue of climate change on the global agenda.

Climate Action Authority

Recently, Malta set up a Climate Action Authority that is committed to raising public awareness on climate change while implementing a robust legal framework to address its impacts. Malta's climate neutrality objective for 2050 aims to bring down CO2 emissions by 80%. This is a very important milestone which as a country, we are determined to achieve.

A group of friends

Malta is a founding member of a coalition of 27 countries dedicated to integrating culture as a central pillar in the global response to climate change.

This collaboration was formalised when I was attending the High-level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-based climate action at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates.

The focus of this united effort, known as the "Group of Friends of Culture-based Climate Action" was for the adoption by the Conference of Parties of a Joint Work decision on Culture and Climate Action that would call the United Nations framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its subsidiary bodies to jointly address issues at the intersection between culture and heritage and climate action, aiming to make recommendations for consideration and adoption during this COP29.

 Unique characteristics

However, Malta does not believe in a one-size-fits all in this regard. I strongly believe that each country has its needs, challenges and characteristics and rather than imposing on countries ways and means how to reach targets they should instead be encouraged to reach their set targets and helped to do so if necessary.

Cultural workshop

At COP29, on behalf of Malta, I supported the call for a Cultural Workshop, its aim being that of launching a UNFCCC consultation on culture and climate action which would then enable us as nations to build a cultural pillar for climate change response through the adoption of COP31. The outcome of this workshop would then form the basis for a broader consideration of culture at COP30.

Gaza and the PN

The PN MEPs in Brussels shot down a request by a political group within the European Parliament to discuss Israel's decision to ban the United Agency relief agency, UNRA, from its territory. The United Nations expects this decision to have a devastating effect on the lives of millions of Palestinians who depend on UNRA for their most basic needs.

David Casa and Peter Agius do not want to discuss this humanitarian issue. They said that this debate was requested by a leftist political group that they consider to be 'extremist'. What is extremist is the PN MEPs' insensitive position and their lack of empathy and compassion towards millions of children, women, and men who are experiencing genocide in Gaza. It was truly shameful.

Ramires

Ramires Sciberras won the Malta Junior Eurovision Song Contest and represented Malta in Madrid last week. It was an extraordinary success: Ramires placed 5th. Yet again, this charming and highly talented young man made Malta proud.

He's got a bright future ahead of him, and I am sure that he shall be making Malta proud time and again. Well done, Ramires!

Christmas activities

Between the 30th of November and the 1st of December, Heritage Malta will organize the second edition of 'Christmas in the Fort', at Fort Saint Elmo and the National War Museum, in - Valletta City.

During these two days there will be various activities including singers, choirs, bands, a grand Christmas concert by the Police Band, food stalls and activities for children.

This event shall be held under the patronage of the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, in support of the Malta Community Chest Fund foundation.

NYE in Valletta

The stage is set for the New Year's Eve celebrations in Valletta. Earlier this week, together with Jason Micallef, chairperson of the Valletta Cultural Agency, we announced the events that are expected to draw more than 50,000 people to the capital city. This is the biggest end of year event in Malta and is free of charge. St George's square will be full of life with entertainment by leading local artists with singer Emma Muscat as a special guest. Emma is a household name in Italy and has thousands of followers. You may visit the Valletta Cultural Agency website vca.gov.mt for more information.