A Maltese parliamentary delegation is currently participating in the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, taking place in Rome from 19 to 21 June 2025. The conference is organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in cooperation with Religions for Peace, and is being hosted by the Italian Parliament under the theme “Strengthening Trust and Embracing Hope for Our Common Future.”

Deputy Speaker David Agius, along with Members of Parliament Davina Sammut Hili and Ryan Callus, attended the opening session. The session featured keynote speeches by Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies; Ignazio La Russa, President of the Italian Senate; Dr Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; Dr Francis Kuria, Secretary General of Religions for Peace; Reverend Rino Fisichella, Archbishop and Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation; and Pier Ferdinando Casini, Senator and Honorary President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Following the opening, a high-level panel discussion addressed the issue of countering hatred based on religion or belief. In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Agius noted that religious hatred, hate speech, discrimination, and violence are sadly a daily occurrence around the world. He emphasised the crucial role parliamentarians play in reducing tensions and preventing polarisation.

He cited Malta’s Constitution as a key example of a legal framework that guarantees full freedom of conscience and the right to practise religious worship, as well as freedom of expression and opinion. However, he stressed that while laws and constitutions are important, what truly matters is their implementation. This, he said, is where the role of parliamentarians becomes vital not only in legislating, but in ensuring that laws are applied effectively.

In the context of ongoing international instability, Deputy Speaker Agius concluded his address by quoting Pope Leo, “Nothing is lost with peace, but everything can be lost with war.”

The Inter-Parliamentary Union, founded in 1889, is the oldest multilateral political organisation in the world. It brings together 181 national parliaments and 14 regional parliamentary bodies, and works to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development. The IPU also advocates for human rights and provides support to parliaments to become more inclusive, innovative, and effective.

#MaltaDaily