President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, delivered the opening speech during an international meeting entitled ‘A Mediterranean of Civilisation and Peace’, organised in Agrigento.
The President said that if there was ever a time during which we needed to profoundly discuss the Mediterranean in the context of peace, undoubtedly, it is today, adding that even though the Mediterranean has always been the cradle of civilisations, since time immemorial, “conflicts have always predominated our history and obscured the richness of our diversity.”
“The Mediterranean can be an effective model for peace and prosperity, for other parts of the world.”
She stated that the people of the Mediterranean can be an example of strength and solidarity, by engaging in an ongoing and meaningful dialogue, to connect among the many communities, from all over the region.
President Coleiro Preca stated that our children and young people need to have stability, protection, and security, for them to be able to live peacefully, “and also, to be able to build a culture of positive peace”.
The President said that to achieve positive peace within the Mediterranean region, and across the world “we must effectively implement the United Nations Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals.
“We must recognise that the values which unite us, are stronger than the challenges that divide us.”
The President added that the unique heritage and history of our region is a source of powerful connection, and that the utmost must be done to pass on this legacy to our future generations.
Since children are the present of our countries and our region, and our leaders of tomorrow, President Coleiro Preca reminded those present that it is our responsibility, to create opportunities for them to connect with one another.
On concluding, the President said that children and young people must be empowered to know their choices and to make them wisely; to make the choice for dignity; to make the choice for respect; to make the choice for justice and to make the choice for peace.