Deputy Prime Minister addresses the UN Summit of the Future at UNGA 79

“It is unacceptable that extreme poverty and hunger continue to persist in today’s world”

Deputy Prime Minister addresses the UN Summit of the Future at UNGA 79

“It is unacceptable that extreme poverty and hunger continue to persist in today’s world. In the Pact for the Future adopted in this Summit, we recommit to eradicating them.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg called for immediate global actions towards a more sustainable future during his address to the plenary session of the Summit of the Future on Monday, one of the most-anticipated high level events of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), taking place in New York this week.

Following a series of interactive dialogues, the Summit of the Future culminated with statements from world leaders and the adoption of the Pact for the Future. This Pact is an action-oriented declaration affirming multilateral actions on sustainable development, international peace and security, scientific innovation, digital cooperation, and youth engagement.

In his statement, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg emphasised the need for immediate, comprehensive actions to accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050. “To create a better future, we must accelerate action, right here, right now,” he affirmed.

He said that Malta supports the UN Secretary General’s call, now reflected in the Pact, for a greater focus on conflict prevention as a precursor to international peace and security. “The participation of women and youth in peace processes is crucial to prevent and resolve conflict and build and sustain peace.”

“We highlight the importance of investing in young persons, providing them with ample opportunities and quality education to reach their full potential, empowering them, and ensuring their engagement and participation. They are the innovators, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and creators who shape this world,” he added.

He also noted the Pact’s emphasis on children, stressing the need to protect them from armed conflict and violence, and to invest in their education.

On Sunday, during one of the Summit’s interactive dialogues, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the important link between global peace and the climate crisis. He called on nations to take immediate steps towards reducing emissions and transitioning to renewable energy, while also protecting vulnerable communities, particularly Small Island Developing States that face existential threats from rising sea levels.

He also participated in the 65th Session of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAM), and held bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cabo Verde, and Uzbekistan.

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