Prime Minister Robert Abela has used a series of engagements in New York to stress the importance of inclusive economic growth, resilient trade and a human-centred approach to artificial intelligence, the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.
Abela was addressing the Concordia Annual Summit on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he argued that economic growth should be measured not only through headline economic indicators but also by the opportunities it creates for people.
Speaking about global trade, the Prime Minister said trade is particularly important for an island state such as Malta, describing it as an essential condition for prosperity. He said trade allows goods and services to cross borders, facilitates the movement of ideas and investment, and creates new opportunities.
Abela said the global economy is undergoing significant change as trade routes shift, supply chains are reassessed, and technological and climate pressures alter the way businesses and governments operate.
Against this backdrop, he argued that efforts to strengthen resilience should not result in protectionism. Instead, countries should develop supply chains capable of withstanding disruption while building international partnerships that reduce vulnerabilities without creating additional barriers to trade.
The Prime Minister also referred to Malta Vision 2050, saying the strategy aims to ensure that economic growth translates into better opportunities, higher-quality employment, stronger skills, sustainable communities and a more competitive economy.
Artificial intelligence and digital trade, he said, could provide smaller economies with new opportunities to access international markets by capitalising on talent, agility and ideas. At the same time, he stressed that technological progress should expand opportunities rather than contribute to greater inequality.
The issue of artificial intelligence was also central to a high-level meeting at United Nations Headquarters on safeguarding children's rights in the age of AI.
The meeting was convened by France, Spain and Kenya, with participants stressing the need for AI development to remain human-centred while respecting fundamental rights and ensuring that systems are safe and trustworthy.
Abela also attended a meeting entitled The Road Ahead: One Year After the New York Declaration and the Comprehensive 20-point Peace Plan, where the situation in the Middle East was among the main issues discussed.
During the meeting, Abela reiterated Malta's longstanding support for a two-state solution as the route towards lasting peace in the region. According to the Prime Minister's office, he noted that the position is receiving growing support, including from leaders of major countries.
The Prime Minister's engagements came as the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly got under way in New York.
Abela attended the opening of the General Debate alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg and Foreign and European Affairs Minister Chris Fearne.