Malta will host a major Mediterranean conference later this year, bringing together young people and key stakeholders to amplify children’s voices and place their rights, wellbeing, inclusion and peace education higher on the regional agenda.

This conference is a landmark initiative of the Mediterranean Children’s Movement, led by former President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, with the support of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism. 

Through a grant agreement signed this week, the Ministry will financially support the organisation of a conference that will serve as a platform for regional dialogue, youth engagement and the exchange of best practices among those working with and for children. 

The Mediterranean Children’s Movement Children’s Council will be actively engaged in this initiative to ensure children and young people are directly involved in the discussions.

The agreement was signed by Ms Coleiro Preca and Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg.

Ms Coleiro Preca described the signing of the agreement as an important step in strengthening regional cooperation for the wellbeing of children across the Mediterranean, while promoting peace education and best practices.

“Through this collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Malta is providing a platform for organisations, professionals, and young people to exchange ideas, promote children’s rights, and build stronger networks of solidarity and inclusion.

“This initiative reflects Malta’s commitment to meaningful engagement with civil society and to fostering dialogue on issues that directly impact the lives and future of children and young people in our region,” Ms Coleiro Preca said, thanking the ministry for supporting this project.

Deputy Prime Minister Borg commended the Mediterranean Children’s Movement for this project and said Malta was once again stepping forward to encourage stronger regional and global cooperation for children’s wellbeing and rights.

“This is a commitment we have consistently demonstrated, including during our term on the UN Security Council and last year’s Presidency of the Council of Europe. By investing in children today, we are fostering a more peaceful, stable and prosperous future for our region,” Dr Borg said. 

Mr Cutajar added that this partnership reflected Malta’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives that promoted child welfare, regional cooperation, and inclusive dialogue across the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean Children’s Movement was established to build and sustain an active network of associations and individuals committed to improving the quality of life for children across the region.