At the Second Ministerial Meeting during COP29 in Azerbaijan, Owen Bonnici, Malta’s Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, urged the adoption of a Joint Decision on Culture and Climate Action. This step, he argued, would pave the way for a more organized cultural response to climate issues in future COP discussions.

Malta, a founding member of the “Group of Friends of Culture-based Climate Action,” is pushing for the inclusion of a Cultural Workshop at COP29. Bonnici stressed that integrating culture and art into global climate efforts is essential, while recognizing that each country must be able to respond in ways that suit its own unique needs. “A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work,” he said.

He also highlighted the significant role of culture in the climate fight, with artists worldwide using their work to raise awareness and promote sustainability. Bonnici further noted the United Nations’ warning about the growing threat to historical sites, particularly coastal ones, due to climate change. In closing, he reminded attendees that tackling the climate crisis is a shared responsibility, vital for the future of both present and future generations.

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A post-budget survey by MaltaToday reveals that the Nationalist Party (PN) maintains a slight lead over the Labour Party (PL), but the margin is so narrow it falls within the survey’s margin of error. The PN holds 46.3% of voter support, while the PL follows closely with 45.3%, marking a significant narrowing from the 12,000-vote advantage the PN had in September. This translates to a mere 2,600-vote difference between the two major parties.

The survey also highlights the shifting dynamics of voter support, with the PL gaining 1.5 percentage points since September, while the PN has seen a slight dip. Both parties face competition from third-party movements, with ADPD and others garnering around 8% of the vote. Voter abstention is high, particularly among younger voters, which is contributing to the tightening of the race.

In terms of leadership, Prime Minister Robert Abela has widened his lead over PN leader Bernard Grech to 18 points in the MaltaToday trust barometer. Despite this, the government’s overall performance received a modest rating of 2.7 out of 5, slightly improving from the previous month, reflecting a lukewarm reception to the recent budget.

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Tyson Fury has been training in Malta since October as he prepares for his highly anticipated rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. Following his first career defeat to Usyk, who now holds the undisputed heavyweight champion title, Fury is focused on reclaiming his belt. His six-week training camp on the island is considered a critical part of his preparation, with fans eager to see the “Gypsy King” return to the ring stronger than ever.

 

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Fury has expressed confidence in his ability to avenge his loss, confidently stating that he will knock out Usyk in their next bout. The camp in Malta is part of his strategy to refine his technique, with Fury scheduled to finish his preparations in Saudi Arabia before the fight.

Although his father, John Fury, will not be accompanying him during the Malta camp, Fury’s supporters remain hopeful that the rigorous training will set him on the path to victory. As the countdown to the rematch begins, all eyes will be on the former champion as he looks to reclaim his heavyweight title in what promises to be a thrilling clash.

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