Miriam Dalli To Co-Lead EU Climate Adaptation Negotiations At COP29

Nov 18 2024

For the second consecutive year, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Regeneration, Miriam Dalli, alongside her Austrian counterpart Minister Leonore Gewessler, has been chosen to lead the European Union’s negotiations on the adaptation agenda during COP29.

This appointment underscores Malta’s growing role in global climate leadership.

In Baku, Minister Dalli highlighted the importance of adaptation as a key pillar of the Paris Agreement, emphasising the need to support countries in building resilience to the growing impacts of climate change.

The adaptation negotiations will focus on strengthening global capacity to manage climate risks, protect vulnerable communities, and track progress toward resilience goals.

“This is a critical moment for international climate cooperation. Through these negotiations, we aim to ensure that adaptation remains a global priority, with solutions addressing real-world challenges.

Malta is committed to working with all parties to achieve practical, balanced outcomes,” said Minister Dalli.

Malta’s leadership will aim to reach consensus on measures that prioritise vulnerable nations, particularly small island states, and secure sufficient financial resources to help them adapt to climate impacts.

The Maltese delegation includes Permanent Secretary Joseph Caruana and Malta’s Climate Ambassador, Prof. Simone Borg, whose expertise will guide the country’s leadership in navigating the technical and political aspects of adaptation.

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First Ever ‘Malta Opus’: Celebrating Malta’s Heritage

Nov 18 2024

The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, launched The Malta Opus, a book within the Opus Collection that will be the first to commemorate the entire country.

Minister Owen Bonnici described The Malta Opus as an honor that uniquely tells the story, culture, and identity of Malta. He emphasized that this project will not only serve as a testament to our past and present but also to the future of Malta’s heritage.

“The Malta Opus is more than just a book – it is a journey to the heart of the Maltese islands, featuring exclusive interviews, new photography that captures the unique beauty of our country, and archival material,” Minister Bonnici said.

The Malta Opus will showcase the extraordinary history and culture of Malta, both past and present. Three unique editions of The Malta Opus will be released, and a 50-page version will be available for free to the public in electronic format.

In terms of size, this will be the largest book ever created to celebrate a country, with an edition weighing over 38 kilograms.

Professor Victor Grech, the project’s Chief Editor, explained, “The Malta Opus will define Malta and what it means to be Maltese, capturing the essence of our history, culture, and identity in a way never done before. It will serve as an eternal testament to the resilience, creativity, and unique spirit that unites us as a nation.”

The project will not only showcase artistic beauty but will also make a social contribution. Copy number 001 of The Malta Opus will be auctioned in 2025, with all proceeds going to charitable organizations such as Beating Hearts Malta and Save and Support Trust. Other Maltese organizations will benefit from future projects.

From 2025 onwards, Opus Malta will launch an annual training program for six MCAST students in the fields of photography and graphic design, giving them the opportunity to participate in future projects. This reflects the project’s dedication to inspiring and educating new generations.

Daniel Cuschieri, Director of Opus Malta, explained that after several discussions on creating an Opus about a country, Malta was chosen, and the necessary work began with government entities to implement this project. “We look forward to creating beautiful and educational stories from all around the world, made by us Maltese and in Malta.”

For his part, Karl Fowler, CEO of Opus, expressed satisfaction that this collaboration will lead to the expansion of the Opus brand in Malta. The The Malta Opus project also includes the support and involvement of Daniel Zahra, Director and CEO of the Danzah Group, as well as architect James Bonnici Camilleri.

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Gamers Can Now Heat Pizza Hut On Their PS5

Nov 18 2024

Pizza Hut has teamed up with the gaming world to create a quirky new product, the PIZZAWRMR, designed to keep your pizza warm while you game.

This PS5-compatible contraption uses the heat from the console to warm up your food, making it a convenient (if unusual) accessory for pizza-loving gamers. Despite its strange concept, the PIZZAWRMR is not an April Fool’s joke.

In fact, it’s a real product that anyone can make at home. Rather than selling the warmers, Pizza Hut has made the blueprints available for anyone to 3D print their own.

The PIZZAWRMR sits atop a PS5 lying flat, using the console’s heat to keep your pizza slices warm. However, Pizza Hut suggests using a foil tray inside the warmer to catch crumbs and grease, which could otherwise get into the console.

The product is designed for medium-sized pizza slices, though larger slices may fit with a bit of effort. While not everyone may see the need for such a gaming accessory, it follows in the footsteps of other bizarre gaming creations, like KFC’s chicken bucket console.

Despite its novelty, the PIZZAWRMR is a fun and practical solution for gamers who enjoy a slice while playing.

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Over 30 People Caught Faking Blue Disability Badges

Nov 18 2024

More than 30 individuals were caught using fake blue badge disability permits, Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli revealed in Parliament.

Despite stricter measures, such as adding penalty points to offenders’ driving licenses, the issue remains persistent.

The blue badge, issued by Aġenzija Sapport, grants parking privileges to people with disabilities. However, 34 cases of fraudulent badges have been reported, with some offenders employing creative tactics, such as using holograms from wine bottles to mimic security features.

Six cases are currently in court, while 11 others are under review for authenticity. Farrugia Portelli also announced upcoming disability initiatives.

A €1.3 million specialised programme for individuals with intellectual disabilities, managed by Richmond Foundation and Aġenzija Sapport, will be launched.

Additionally, new respite centres will open in Kirkop and Dingli, and a €5 million investment with an NGO aims to support children and adolescents in developing their skills.

Opposition MP Charles Azzopardi highlighted concerns about rising poverty, particularly among the elderly, with one in three at risk of poverty or social exclusion—a figure that has doubled since 2013, according to NSO data.

Despite government achievements, Azzopardi argued that many still struggle with daily living costs and deprivation.

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