President Myriam Spiteri Debono said that ongoing conflicts around the world continue to demonstrate that war has "no victors, only losers", as she called on countries with greater international influence to shoulder greater responsibility in pursuing lasting peace.
Speaking during a commemoration marking the 84th anniversary of Operation Pedestal, known as the Santa Marija Convoy, Spiteri Debono said remembering the courage and sacrifice of previous generations would be pointless unless lessons were drawn from their experiences.
Spiteri Debono said that the aftermath of the two world wars had brought a recognition that lives would have been lost in vain unless the future was built on peace, freedom, harmony between nations and respect for human dignity.
Referring to present-day conflicts, including the war between Russia and Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, the President said they reinforced the reality that "war has no victors, only losers".
"This is not a cliché; experience has strongly taught us it is a sacrosanct truth," she said, adding that the end of armed conflict did not necessarily amount to peace.
Once fighting stopped, she said, countries faced another battle involving the reconstruction of infrastructure and the restoration of stability, while also having to overcome hatred and longstanding divisions.
Spiteri Debono said security should not be interpreted solely in military terms, arguing that people should not continue living in fear, uncertainty and deprivation even after peace agreements had been reached.
The President also referred to the Strait of Hormuz and the war between Iran and the United States, highlighting the importance of freedom of passage through the strait to the global economy.
She noted that around 20% of globally traded energy fuels passed through the Strait of Hormuz each day and warned that any closure or obstruction could affect global energy supplies and push up the prices of oil, liquefied gas and other fuels.
The resulting ripple effects, she said, could increase shipping, transport and manufacturing costs, drive up food prices and inflation, slow economic growth and ultimately affect people's standard of living.
Spiteri Debono said such circumstances underlined the responsibility carried by countries wielding significant political influence.
"Might is not the mother of Right," she said, arguing that countries with greater influence on the international stage had a responsibility to take leadership roles in addressing the challenges facing the world.
"This holistic scenario underlines a profound responsibility; greater political clout carries with it a greater responsibility; a responsibility that should erode any notions of domination and imposition in a world of interdependence," she said.
She also pointed towards the heatwaves affecting Europe as another challenge requiring concerted international action.
The President said the consequences of war did not disappear once weapons fell silent, with the wounds of conflict and the burden of rebuilding often carried through generations.
Turning to Malta's role, Spiteri Debono said the Constitution committed the country to pursuing peace and international cooperation.
Malta's contribution was no longer defined by its military or strategic geographical position, she said, but by its willingness to encourage dialogue, strengthen cooperation and place respect for human dignity at the centre of its actions.
She said the values which sustained Malta during the difficult months surrounding Operation Pedestal remained relevant 84 years later.
"The sacrifices of our forefathers call on us not to turn away from human suffering, but to stand up for the principles that promote lasting peace," Spiteri Debono said.
She concluded that the memory of those who sacrificed during Operation Pedestal should serve as a reminder that peace could never be taken for granted and had to be protected and strengthened by every generation.