“We must effect real change and convincingly ensure a just transition that leaves no one behind, based on digitalisation, talent and a revision of how we measure national value and wealth.”

This was the core of Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela’s speech at the historic COP26 conference in Glasgow this afternoon.

During his speech, the Prime Minister reiterated Malta’s commitment to implement an ambitious Low Carbon Development Strategy “with ambitious targets that will lead to climate neutrality by 2050.”

He acknowledged that reaching such targets is very challenging, for a small country with limited natural resources and very limited capacity for emission reductions. However, he added, Malta wants to live up to its legacy, after being the first country to bring climate change to the attention of the UN General Assembly in 1988.

The Prime Minister emphasised the threat faced by small island states.

“From rising sea levels to devastating storms. From drought to sudden precipitations. From import dependency to intermittent isolation caused by heavy storms. We all have a duty to ensure that no coastal state loses its rights due to climate change.”

Malta to double its Green Climate Fund contribution

During his speech, Prime Minister Abela announced that Malta will immediately double its contribution to the Green Climate Fund. This, as he emphasised that funds are to be channelled to where they are most needed. 

The Green Climate Fund was established in 2010 to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries, and to help vulnerable societies adapt to the impacts of climate change. 

The Prime Minister described COP26 as a turning point for humankind as he called for countries to work together and to translate this meeting into an active and passionate commitment to undertake meaningful and impactful actions. Post-COVID, “building back better” cannot remain a rhetorical expression.

“Let’s rise to the occasion. Together we will defeat this global existential threat to give our children what they deserve, a better future,” he appealed.