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Malta is a small island nation with a big voice. Our country will seize the moment to redefine its role on the international stage and continue to take bold, strategic steps that resonate abroad.
Now is the time for our Labour Party to strengthen its links with the S&D and become a player in European politics. This is an opportunity to drive the agenda and be at the forefront of important conversations. We need to lead, not just keep up, and there is no doubt that our MEPs and politicians have the ability, desire and drive to make this happen.
In our international strategy, we can reignite the power of youth. Our young generation has an untapped resource that can bring a new, disruptive energy to the table. I suggest that we take youth political exchange to a new level, creating not only opportunities but also a whole new platform for young leaders to work with their counterparts across Europe. One opportunity we should seek to exploit is to build closer links and exchanges with Scandinavian socialist parties. We need to stay as far away as possible from concepts such as tokenism or building a pipeline of future politicians. Instead, we need to empower a generation that thinks differently, acts boldly and is not afraid to challenge the status quo. Our young mayors, local councillors, cabinet and parliament members are already setting an example at the local level; now it’s time to show the magic of our young people to the rest of Europe and the world.
Foreign Minister Ian Bogue has injected much-needed dynamism into foreign affairs and through his work Malta has set an example with its chairmanship of the UN Security Council and the OSCE. This has put us at the forefront of international dialogue. It is time to do the same at party level and we should aim higher by using our strategic location and unique political climate to host high-stakes conferences and summits. By inviting ambassadors and thought leaders to Malta we can position ourselves as a key player in global diplomacy. This is not just for image, but for influence, for being the place where deals are done and ideas are generated.
Our relationship with S&D and MEPs should be more than just a polite collaboration. We need to continue to create tangible, impactful projects that push boundaries and challenge conventional thinking. A clear example of this is when MEP Alex Agius Saliba challenged the multi-billion dollar company Apple and forced it to switch its charging cables to standard USB-C. Together we can work on initiatives that are not only aligned with our values but are visionary projects that will make a real difference in people’s lives and elevate our position in the European political landscape.
Nor can we ignore the voting power of expatriate voters. We need to build a network that goes beyond diplomatic niceties – building strong, genuine relationships with ambassadors and expatriates. Beyond winning votes, this should be about truly understanding and representing the diverse perspectives of Maltese citizens living abroad, ensuring their voices influence our policies. Nor can we forget the thousands of people who live, work and contribute to Maltese society, even though they do not necessarily consider themselves Maltese. They are part of the fabric of our society and need to be represented.
Education should be at the forefront of our new international outlook. We need to offer our youth, delegates and members lectures, seminars and workshops that do not just skim the surface but delve into the complexities of European institutions and foreign political systems. We need to equip ourselves with knowledge to rise above those who do not have the interests of Malta and its people at heart.
Labour is in the midst of a revolution. It is a party of ideas, untapped potential and drive that can revolutionise the way our politics work, not just locally but internationally. Over the past 13 years in government, Labour has transformed hundreds of thousands of lives, bringing hope and a voice to those ignored by a Nationalist government that refused to change. Through a blend of old and new faces, we can bring about a political revolution and serve as a beacon of hope for others who aspire to do the same.
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