Julianne Vella has been appointed as Malta's new United Nations Youth Delegate and will represent young Maltese people at various United Nations forums over the next two years, the government said in a statement.

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Chris Fearne presented Vella with her Certificate of Appointment during a ceremony marking the start of her two-year term.

Vella will join Samuel Camilleri Brancaleone, who has served as Malta's United Nations Youth Delegate over the past year, with the pair representing the perspectives of young Maltese people in discussions on issues of global importance at international UN forums, the statement said.

The United Nations Youth Delegate programme has been running in Malta since 2021 and has continued to grow each year.

This year's edition attracted a record 31 applications, reflecting increasing interest among young Maltese people in contributing to international discussions and representing Malta on the global stage, the statement said.

Fearne said youth participation in foreign policy is crucial to ensure young people's voices are represented in decisions being shaped today.

Through the United Nations Youth Delegate programme, Malta is continuing to provide young people with concrete opportunities to contribute to international discussions and represent the country at United Nations forums, he added.

Vella said she felt honoured to have been entrusted with the role and looked forward to representing young Maltese people internationally.

"I look forward to working on behalf of Malta by bringing the voice of young Maltese people to United Nations forums and contributing to the promotion of peace, multilateralism and dialogue," she said.

Vella has experience in youth representation, governance and international cooperation. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Data Science and Politics at University College Dublin and has served in various roles with national and international youth organisations.