​A Maltese parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Carmelo Abela, is concluding its participation in the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), which has brought together parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from across the Commonwealth in Cape Town.

The Maltese delegation participated actively throughout the Conference, including in the 42nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Small Branches Conference, the 10th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference, as well as the wider CPC programme and its various workshops and side events.

During a side event held on Wednesday on the participation of young people in the democratic process, the importance of ensuring that younger generations have meaningful opportunities to participate in democratic life was discussed.

Ian Vassallo spoke about how other countries can follow a number of best practices adopted in Malta, including activism in schools, the National Youth Parliament, Vote 16, the National Youth Council. He also spoke about how young people in Malta are being elected in local councils and the national parliament at a very young age, proof of the valid contribution that they can give to the country.

Fleur Abela addressed the youth present and spoke to them about the Youth Forum in Malta, which can advise cabinet. She also mentioned the possibilities that youth have in Malta, including youth who have been appointed to Cabinet or even as Commissioner to the EU. She encouraged those present to speak up and to fight to have their voice heard and also advised them to try and engage not just on a local, but on an international level.

In the General Debate of the CPA General Assembly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Carmelo Abela spoke on the theme “New Leadership Opportunities for the Commonwealth: Parliamentary Action to Strengthen Democracy and International Law".

Speaker Abela mentioned the current international political climate, the growing pressure on the international rules based order, and the decline of trust in public institutions. While acknowledging that across the Commonwealth, challenges may manifest themselves differently, he said that all countries must work to make sure that their democratic institutions remain strong, relevant and worthy of the trust of the people they serve. He said that these institutions are strongest when Governments are held accountable, when people believe that they are being heard and when the law applies equally to everyone. He also reiterated that a healthy democracy requires both an effective Government and a meaningful Parliamentary Opposition.

The Speaker concluded his intervention by saying that democracy can never be taken for granted, and as members of the Commonwealth family, countries present must strengthen democratic institutions, uphold international law and ensure that shared values are passed on to future generations.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference ended with an official dinner, where Dr Angelo Farrugia, former Speaker of the House of Representatives was presented with the CPA Lifetime Achievement Award 2026, an award that distinguished his parliamentary career and his longstanding contribution to parliamentary democracy, good governance and public service.

During his acceptance speech, Dr Farrugia made reference to his history within the Commonwealth and the work that he did in various roles. He said that the responsibility of public office does not start and end according to one's tenure. While the office is temporary, the values that one believes in must remain. Dr Farrugia concluded his address by reiterating the responsibility that comes with public office: “Wherever truth must be defended, injustice confronted, peace pursued and human dignity protected, there remains work to be done."

Participation in the Conference provided an opportunity to strengthen Malta's parliamentary relations with other Commonwealth jurisdictions and to contribute to discussions on issues of common concern.

Photos: SPK

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