Many people associate climate action with national policy. While governance
plays a vital role, an equally important part is played by foreign policy,
through climate diplomacy. The networks that we, as diplomats, cultivate
through our missions on the ground and through our participation in meetings at
the regional and international level allow us to formulate targeted climate
strategies towards different countries and regions of the world; strategies
that also form the basis for effective partnerships around the world. Sound knowledge of what Malta is doing to
meet its climate change targets is of course essential. For this reason, Malta
adopted a unique model by having a dedicated Ambassador for Climate Action,
Professor Simone Borg, who is also the chair of the national Climate Action
Board. This ensures that our action on the international level fully
matches our country’s priorities at the national level.
Image shows Monument at the University of Malta
commemorating Malta’s Climate Change Initiative
Credit: Oleg M.,University of Malta
Malta has a historic international reputation on climate action. Since
its climate change proposal at the UN in 1988, Malta continues to be active
through its climate diplomacy on a regional level within the EU and the
Mediterranean, and on the international level with the UN and through the
Commonwealth. The Executive Session of CHOGM held in Malta in 2015 was
instrumental in sustaining the momentum towards a successful adoption of the
Paris Agreement. This agreement remains the indispensable multilateral framework
for climate action. This is supported by
a policy of universal engagement involving civil society, youth and private
enterprise. This is necessary because
climate action is no longer a self-contained policy, it transcends
essential aspects of our lives, enough to require a transformation of our
societies. International cooperation is essential for a successful
transformation.
International cooperation presents different scenarios. Particularly
relevant for us are evolving situations in our neighbouring regions (Africa,
Mediterranean), in the Arctic, and developments affecting small island states.
It is here that we encouter issues like the rights of states and peoples
at risk from the effects of climate change, the possible recognition of climate
change as grounds for asylum, the effects of rising sea levels on coastal
economies, the effects of climate change on peace and security, the increasing
emphasis on sustainable water management and others. Although small, Malta also has a lot to offer through
capacity building and the sharing of experiences with successful models with
developing countries, especially small island states.
M. Micallef
Officer in Scale
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