Maltese Delegation Joins OSCE Gender Equality Workshop In Finland

Maltese Delegation Joins OSCE Gender Equality Workshop In Finland
Jun 5 2025 Share

On 3 and 4 June, a Maltese delegation composed of Abigail Camilleri and Janice Chetcuti took part in a workshop held in Helsinki, Finland, focused on gender-sensitive parliaments.

The event was organised by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in collaboration with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Finnish Parliament, which will assume the role of OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in 2025.

The workshop addressed a range of issues, including the importance of establishing parliamentary bodies that lead on advancing gender equality, the implementation of gender audits and gender equality action plans, gender-sensitive lawmaking, and parliamentary oversight.

It also tackled the critical issue of violence against women in politics and highlighted the essential role of male parliamentarians in promoting gender equality.

Representatives from 15 parliaments across the OSCE region attended, alongside several organisations specialising in gender-related policy and advocacy.

Participants exchanged insights and national experiences, underlining the need for stronger political will to advance the global gender-sensitive parliaments agenda. They collectively reaffirmed their commitment to gender parity as a fundamental principle.

The workshop concluded with the endorsement of the Helsinki Pledges – a declaration containing a series of recommendations aimed at fostering parliaments that are inclusive, equitable, and representative.

The pledges call for legislative bodies that reflect society’s full diversity and ensure that people of all genders, generations, and backgrounds have a voice in public life and policymaking.

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Malta Record For Longest Strawberry Roly Poly Awarded

Malta Record For Longest Strawberry Roly Poly Awarded
Jun 5 2025 Share

The Malta Records presented a brand new award for the longest strawberry roly poly, created by Alan Abdilla of Dolcicreazioni, St Venera and Marlon’s Street Eats & Events.

The presentation event, organised by Għaqda Armar Triq San Ġwann Nadur, showcased a 8 metre and 7 centimetre roly poly – the longest of its kind on the island to date.

Tag someone who would love to get a bite out of this!

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Malta Outlines Marine Protection & Fisheries Strategy In Athens

Malta Outlines Marine Protection & Fisheries Strategy In Athens
Jun 5 2025 Share

During a regional conference in Athens on marine protection in the Mediterranean, Malta reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries. Speaking at the event, Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, stressed the importance of balancing traditional heritage with innovation.

She highlighted that Malta, despite its size, plays a vital role in preserving marine ecosystems and supporting Mediterranean fisheries. Over 35% of Malta’s Fisheries Management Zone is now designated as a protected area, with updated 2023 measures focusing on reducing marine litter, protecting vulnerable habitats, and enhancing surveillance.

Bugeja Said emphasised the need for socially just and economically viable sustainability, particularly for small-scale, traditional fishing communities that have operated responsibly for generations. She warned against applying one-size-fits-all policies across Mediterranean countries and called for fair, tailored approaches.

Malta is also investing in innovation, including €6 million for improved data collection and projects like NETTAG+, which uses technology to recover lost fishing gear—a major source of marine litter. The country is exploring green fuels, sustainable ports, and wastewater treatment.

Bugeja Said concluded by urging regional cooperation: “What harms one coast will affect us all. Sustainability is a shared responsibility for future generations.”

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New Scholarship Launched For Post Secondary Student Athletes

New Scholarship Launched For Post Secondary Student Athletes
Jun 5 2025 Share

A new scholarship supporting student athletes has been launched by Education Minister Clifton Grima. Announced earlier today, the initiative is aimed at post-secondary students pursuing the Matriculation Certificate while training intensively in a chosen sport at the Mediterranean College of Sport (MCS). The programme is administered by the Ministry’s Scholarships Unit.

Minister Grima described the scheme as part of a wider effort to expand access to financial support for students and reduce pressure on families, particularly those with children balancing academic study and competitive sport. He said the scholarship reflects the long-term goals of Malta’s 2050 Vision to create a resilient, modern, and adaptable education system.

The scheme recognises the need to support young athletes committed to both their studies and sporting development. MCS is currently the only local institution offering this dual approach, and the scholarship will fully cover tuition fees for 20 eligible students over two academic years.

Upon completion, recipients will be awarded a certification in their sport as well as the national Matriculation Certificate.

Permanent Secretary Matthew Vella highlighted the initiative as a model of public-private collaboration that delivers real opportunities for students.

Applications will open on 17 July. Further details can be found at myscholarship.gov.mt.