Prof. Carmen Sammut, Pro-Rector for Student & Staff Affairs and Outreach, Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, and Prof. Simone Borg, Head of the Department of Environmental & Resources Law, were among the speakers at the Conference for National Unity, held on Saturday 27 February 2021.
The Conference for National Unity was held on the initiative of President of Malta, H.E., George Vella, as a platform for a mature discussion on issues that the Maltese population must be united over. “The President of the Republic brought together people who are usually around the same table”, said Prof. Sammut in a social media post.
It was held as a hybrid event, with it being physically held at Verdala Palace, and with others following live on social media.
In his opening speech, the President said this Conference was the start of a process whereby we are able to discover all issues that divide us and discuss them in a constructive manner. “We have a duty to create a more united society for honest citizens and future generations”, he said.
Prof. Sammut’s contribution focused on divisive rhetoric, saying that we need to battle currents against national unity, and that this has more than legal implications, as it requires us to undergo a more profound reform in our culture.
Meanwhile, Prof. Azzopardi reminded the audience that our national identity is based on the pillars of reciprocal respect, our sense of community, our love for that which is just, and looking out for eachother. “Family wellbeing and health are priorities and they are all dependent on our collective behaviour”, he said.
Prof. Borg said environmental law is based on the principle of not wanting to cause harm and exercising the right of safeguarding the environment. As an independent nation, she said, we must seek to treat our common home in the best way possible to be able to enjoy it for as long as we and our future generations can.
In his closing remarks, the President remarked that he hopes that the points made will reach politicians too, and that they will all share the same interest of seeing our nation unite on the most important issues at hand.
Highlights from the Conference may be watched on the President's Facebook Page.