Ian Borg Appointed 2024 OSCE Chairman

Dec 2 2023

On Friday afternoon, Foreign Minister Ian Borg officially assumed the role of Chairman-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for the year 2024.

In his acceptance speech, Borg emphasised the crucial need for close cooperation and support from all participating states to fulfil the OSCE’s mandate and uphold shared values in alignment with agreed principles and commitments.

Malta’s appointment to chair the OSCE followed Russia’s objection to Estonia taking on the role. Despite the diplomatic setback, Borg staunchly defended Estonia’s candidacy, asserting its status as a “solid, relevant, and dependable partner.”

He acknowledged Malta’s supportive stance towards Estonia and emphasised the nation’s commitment to serving as a “bridge builder” in the geopolitical landscape.

Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in Malta, Borg underscored the responsibility bestowed upon the country to lead the organisation, reaffirming Malta’s dedication to fulfilling its role within the OSCE.

#MaltaDaily

First Cruise Liner Fully Run On Electricity In Grand Harbour

Dec 2 2023

The first passenger ship (cruise liner) has powered down its engines and is now being run on electricity while docked in Malta’s Grand Harbour.

This forms part of the Shore-To-Ship environmental project, with the initiative expected to reduce air pollution from passenger ships in the area by more than 90%.

Through the investment, Infrastructure Malta aims to provide cleaner air to approximately 17,000 families living in this zone of the Maltese islands.

In a significant development, the passenger ship Viking Saturn, flying the Norwegian flag, began drawing electricity, making it the first ship to shut down its engines and operate exclusively on electricity.

This milestone follows extensive tests conducted on the system over the past few weeks. The cruise liner, currently moored at the Pinto 1/2 piers, is receiving 3.1 Mega Watts per hour.

This initiative is set to position Malta as one of the pioneers in the Mediterranean to implement a shore-side electricity system for passenger ships.

#MaltaDaily

Prime Minister Addresses COP28 In Dubai

Dec 2 2023

During his address at the COP28 in Dubai, Prime Minister Robert Abela underscored Malta’s unique challenges and noteworthy achievements in the face of a changing climate.

Abela highlighted Malta’s recent experience of one of the most challenging summers in its history, drawing attention to the urgency of global climate action.

Abela expressed optimism about the ambitious target set during COP21 to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Despite being one of the smallest states, Malta strives to lead by example, aiming for a substantial 55% reduction in emissions by 2030, building on its significant achievement of retaining a 19% reduction target in carbon emissions for the same year.

Abela highlighted Malta’s 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector over the past decade.

He stressed the necessity for continuous reform, citing initiatives such as the issuance of green bonds by the Water Services Corporation and Malta’s doubled contributions to the Green Climate Fund in the last four years.

Abela urged collective action when it comes to global sea level rise, asserting that no state should suffer loss of rights due to this phenomenon.

Malta, as a small island state, commits to supporting fellow Small Island Developing States and maintaining a leadership role in advocating for the interconnection between climate change and health.

#MaltaDaily

D’Amato Records Top Selling Artist Was Taylor Swift

Dec 2 2023

Following the release of Spotify Wrapped 2023, Malta’s very own D’Amato Records, which boasts the title of the world’s oldest record shop, has unveiled its own top selling artist.

And, as was the case with Spotify’s list, Taylor Swift emerged as the top selling artist in this case as well!

D’Amato Records will be revealing the best of the best for 2023 during December.

‘Some of you thought it might be Lana Del Rey or The Beatles, but our top selling artist for this year is actually none other than Taylor Swift’, wrote the shop’s Instagram page.

Swift has continued to dominate charts, emerging first in the top 10 artists globally list, as well as having two songs on the top 10 songs globally list. She also boasts two albums on the top 10 albums globally on Spotify.

And it seems as though Malta is no stranger to the Swift craze!

#MaltaDaily