Ian Borg Opens 31st OSCE Ministerial Council In Malta

Dec 5 2024

Today, Malta is hosting the largest international conference in its history at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali, welcoming over 50 Foreign Affairs Ministers from around the world to the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council. This event underscores Malta’s growing leadership on the global stage as it chairs the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) throughout 2024, a role it was entrusted with by member states.

The OSCE, uniting 57 countries, addresses not only security but also critical issues like press freedom and cybersecurity. Notably, both Ukraine and Russia are participating in this summit, reflecting the gravity of the ongoing geopolitical crises.

Deputy Prime Minister and OSCE Chairperson Ian Borg opened the council by highlighting Malta’s longstanding dedication to peace and dialogue, recalling its historic role in diplomacy, including the 1989 Bush-Gorbachev summit held on its shores. Borg condemned Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, calling it a systemic threat to European security, and urged Russia to withdraw from Ukrainian territory to pave the way for a just and lasting peace.

Borg also addressed internal challenges within the OSCE, such as the absence of senior leadership, unresolved budget issues, and uncertainties about future chairmanships. Emphasizing a broader crisis in multilateralism, he reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to revitalizing the OSCE under the theme “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security.” Priorities include conflict resolution, supporting Ukraine, interfaith dialogue, and addressing climate and cyber threats.

Despite limited resources, Borg praised the OSCE’s field missions and tools for regional stability but stressed the need for member states to provide resources and leadership. While progress has been made on leadership appointments, Borg urged swift action on budgetary and governance issues to secure the OSCE’s future. He concluded by calling for collective responsibility to uphold the OSCE’s mission during this critical juncture.

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Six People With Disabilities Graduate From ‘Agenzija Sapport’ Way To Work

Dec 5 2024

Six people with disabilities were presented with a certificate after attending sessions offered by Aġenzija Sapport through the Way to Work program over the past seven months.

This group of participants, aged between 20 and 33, contributed to more than 80 people with disabilities graduating from this course since 2022. In Malta, since the program’s launch in October 2022, 41 people attended group training and benefited from individual sessions, while 34 others only attended individual sessions. In Gozo, 5 people with disabilities attended group training and another 5 attended only individual sessions.

The graduation certificates were presented by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia, and the Chief Executive Officer of Aġenzija Sapport, Oliver Scicluna.

This course is intended to prepare people with disabilities for employment by focusing on independent living skills and other skills necessary for the workplace. In addition to group training, the Way to Work program offers individual sessions to focus on specific aspects and strengthen skills. The program mainly focused on practical training, such as skills needed for office work, working in factories, and in food establishments. The participants also had the opportunity to visit various entities to see in practice what they had learned in training.

Of those who attended this year, two participants have already found employment. Another participant started attending the “Headstart” training by the Lino Spiteri Foundation, and three other participants began “Sheltered Employment” training also offered by the Lino Spiteri Foundation.

Minister Julia Farrugia spoke about the fundamental role of work in the lives of people with disabilities, explaining that it brings value and respect to their lives. She emphasized that the government is working to strengthen training opportunities and create effective systems to help these people integrate into the world of work. “Work is a source of dignity. The government is making continuous efforts to offer more training opportunities and create systems that help people with disabilities move closer to the world of employment. The Way to Work program is an important priority that aims to promote more inclusion. The goal is for more participants to complete this program and secure stable employment, leading to a more independent life,” concluded the minister.

The Chief Executive Officer of Aġenzija Sapport, Oliver Scicluna, congratulated the participants of the Way to Work Program for their commitment in successfully completing the sessions prepared for them. He also thanked the parents for their collaboration in this journey, which aims to strengthen the abilities of their children so that they are better positioned to find employment. Mr. Scicluna added that the agency’s commitment is to increase opportunities for people with disabilities to reach their full potential.

Since its inception, the program has also reached 26 parents through sessions aimed at the parents of participants, with the goal of complementing what is being taught to people with disabilities while also providing a space where parents can discuss and share thoughts on the inclusion of their children in the world of work. This year, 8 parents attended these sessions.

For 2025, an evaluation of this program is planned. This will allow the agency to see where improvements can be made and adjustments to session planning can be made, while also continuing to strengthen the service provision as part of a chain that collectively offers more inclusion opportunities.

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Appointment Of Board For Occupational Health & Safety Authority

Dec 5 2024

The Ministry for Justice and Construction Sector Reform has announced the composition of the Board for the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, in line with the new Act unanimously approved by Parliament.

Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform, Jonathan Attard, welcomed and thanked the Chairperson and members of the Occupational Health and Safety Authority Board for taking on this role during a period of continuous reforms aimed at raising standards and protecting all workers.

“With these new appointments, we ensured that the board brings a variety of skills, perspectives, and experiences to continue implementing the reformative process in this sector.

We are aware that the implementation of the new Act, introduced after more than 20 years since the last reform, may present new challenges. However, we are committed to turning these challenges into opportunities while fulfilling the electoral manifesto and the recommendations of the public inquiry.

Moreover, we aim to go beyond these goals to further raise standards in the sector,” stated Minister Attard.

The board will be led by Mr. Pierre Fava, who was unanimously approved by Parliament’s Public Appointments Committee.

Mr. Fava emphasized the board’s central role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of the Authority.

“Together with the Chief Executive and the administrative leadership of the Authority, we must ensure continuous communication to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and guarantee compliance with the legal obligations and principles that underpin this Authority, safeguarding occupational health and safety,” he said.

Board Members:

Chairperson

Mr. Pierre Fava

Vice Chairperson

Mr. Adrian Cauchi

Members

Ms. Dianne Vella Muscat
Dr. Zaid Teebi
Mr. Dolan Debattista
Mr. Victor Carachi
Ms. Isabelle Farrugia
Mr. Joseph Delia
Mr. Andrew Aquilina

Secretary

Dr. Marouska Debono

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Construction Worker Reportedly Injured After Bricks Fall On Him

Dec 5 2024

A construction worker was injured on Thursday morning after bricks fell on him at a construction site on Triq Belvedere in Gżira.

The site had previously made headlines in February when its façade and scaffolding collapsed, narrowly missing pedestrians.

The incident reportedly occurred around 9:40 a.m., with the injured man taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Police told Times of Malta that the victim is believed to be a construction worker but have not yet provided further details about his identity or condition.

Witnesses reported hearing a “horrifying shriek” from the man as the bricks fell, while others saw him lying injured in the street after being struck by the debris.

The site, which has raised safety concerns, was previously involved in a collapse earlier this year. That incident, reportedly caused by vibrations from excavations, brought down the building’s façade and scaffolding, though no one was injured at the time.

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Source: @timesofmalta