Muscat pays tribute to Maltese contribution to UN treaties

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat paid tribute to Maltese endeavour for proposing in 1988 that climate be considered as part of the common heritage of mankind, and for nations to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

On his visit to the United Nations in New York, Muscat hosted guests at a reception in honour of Malta’s 50th anniversary of independence and membership in the United Nations.

“Malta can look back with satisfaction and pride at what it has achieved in all aspects of its political, economic and social life. 

“During this half century, Malta can celebrate the successful completion of its economic and social transition from an economy heavily based upon the provision of a military base in Malta, to a vibrant, modern and forward-looking economy based upon financial services, information technology and a highly educated and skilled workforce,” Muscat said.

Only a few years after joining the United Nations, in 1967, Malta proposed that the seabed and ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction be considered as part of the common heritage of mankind, leading to a process of negotiations that would culminate in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea – today one of the major United Nations Conventions.

“Today, while climate change is at the forefront of the political and environmental agenda of many Governments, in 1988 this was a novel concept that introduced a new idea into the international system.

“Malta was again at the forefront, offering the wisdom of a long-term view to the international community. I am proud that Malta took an early lead on this very important issue as it did in other areas, including on the elderly,” Muscat said.

He also paid tribute to his government’s legislative efforts to ensure a wider array of human and civil rights be accorded to the citizenry.

“The benefit or otherwise of membership in any international organization is dependent on what each individual Member State makes of that membership. Malta, despite its size and limited resources, has contributed significantly to the United Nations, and pledges its continued and full support to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.”