In a display of economic resilience, Malta’s job market is on fire as the latest figures from the National Statistics Office (NSO) reveal a remarkable surge in full-time employment.

In just one year, the number of registered full-time workers skyrocketed by a staggering 8.2%.

But that’s not all – Part-time workers are also joining the employment fiesta, with their numbers on the rise.

The NSO reports that 33,373 workers have embraced part-time roles as their primary gig, showcasing a substantial 3.8% increase compared to the same month last year.

Diving deeper into the data, it becomes crystal clear that the private sector is leading the charge, with an impressive surge of over 10% in full-time workers within a year.

Meanwhile, the public sector seems to have taken a breather, experiencing a marginal dip in full-time employment.

#MaltaDaily 

In an address to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the island nation’s commitment to global cooperation and emphasised the importance of solidarity, multilateralism, and addressing pressing issues that impact the world.

Prime Minister Abela began by quoting the timeless words of poet John Donne: “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” He used this quote to emphasised that while Malta is a proud island nation, it does not exist in isolation. Throughout its history, Malta has looked outward to the world, recognising its unique geographic position at the crossroads of Europe and Africa.

He highlighted Malta’s role as a bridge-builder, exemplified by its recent hosting of private talks between the United States’ National Security Adviser and China’s Foreign Minister. Malta has consistently shown its commitment to working together for the common good, earning the trust of fellow UN members.

As a sign of this trust, Malta was elected to serve on the United Nations Security Council for the current year and the next. Abela reiterated that Malta’s constitution places a strong emphasis on pursuing “peace, security, and social progress among all nations.”

He expressed Malta’s dedication to being open to the world, never turning its back on its neighbours. Malta stands unwaveringly with its partners in Europe and beyond to uphold peace and the rule of law.

Turning to global issues, Abela addressed the crisis in Ukraine, condemning Russia’s violation of international law and urging Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory. He called on all nations to unite in bringing an end to the war, emphasising the far-reaching consequences of conflict on global food security.

Abela also stressed Malta’s active role in addressing challenges in the Mediterranean, with a particular focus on Libya. He emphasised the importance of a lasting settlement in Libya for regional peace and stability, expressing Malta’s commitment to supporting this process.

The Prime Minister touched on Malta’s commitment to being a bridge between continents, particularly with Africa. Malta has opened new diplomatic missions in Ghana and Ethiopia and has established agreements to facilitate connectivity for businesses and people between continents.

Abela expressed deep concern about the security situation in the Sahel, including political turmoil, irregular migration, jihadist attacks, and food insecurity. He called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

He also underscored Malta’s commitment to offering practical help to its neighbours, citing the nation’s rapid response to assist Libya after the devastating Storm Daniel. Maltese officers continue to serve in UN peacekeeping missions, demonstrating Malta’s dedication to peace and stability in the Mediterranean.

Abela emphasised Malta’s commitment to climate action and the protection of oceans, particularly in light of rising sea levels that threaten island nations. He praised the Secretary-General’s initiative to accelerate global efforts and called for collective action to combat climate change.

He also raised the issue of the digital divide, advocating for narrowing the gap not only within nations but globally. Abela called for international cooperation to ensure digital inclusion for all.

Abela stressed the importance of fairness in open economies and called for a new age of social protection, highlighting the need for standards and rights for workers.

Gender equality, the rights of the child, and mental health were among the topics Abela addressed as essential elements of ensuring security and well-being. He spoke of Malta’s efforts to empower women, support children, and promote mental health awareness.

Abela acknowledged the fear and uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and emphasised the need for responsible AI governance. Malta is already harnessing the power of AI in public services and calls for international cooperation on AI governance.

After his address, Robert Abela also engaged in a productive meeting with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, further solidifying Malta’s commitment to the United Nations and its shared values.

Prime Minister Abela and Secretary General Guterres discussed various topics of mutual interest, reflecting Malta’s longstanding involvement in UN discussions. Secretary General Guterres commended Malta’s role in the UN Security Council, particularly during its Presidency.

The meeting also touched upon the situation in Libya, where the Prime Minister emphasised the urgent need for assistance, not only in response to recent events like Cyclone Daniel but also in achieving lasting stability in line with the Libyan people’s aspirations.

Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg accompanied the Prime Minister during the meeting.

#MaltaDaily