Students connect with three CoE delegates during the European Voices: Conversations on Campus event

In an event jointly organised by the Office of Permanent Representation of Malta to the Council of Europe and the University of Malta, university students got the opportunity to debate with and ask questions to three prominent politicians who also work at the Council of Europe.

Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Theodoros Rousopoulos, and Malta’s own Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg each delivered engaging talks about the continent’s present state, its strengths and challenges as well as the role of youth in shaping its future.

Dr Borg encouraged those present to make their voices heard and ultimately help shape future-defining policies, as democracy “can only flourish when young people actively participate in building their communities”.

As the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Dr Borg also remarked that youth participation isn’t just a priority for Malta’s Presidency of the CoE, which is currently underway and ends in November 2025, but also a long-term national commitment.

“We want to make sure young people are given a seat at the decision-making table, as our equal partners in shaping a more democratic future.”

While expressing their gratitude for being given a chance to actively make their voices heard, students asked about matters such as how the CoE intends to safeguard our fundamental rights with the rise of AI and the consequent misinformation, and how it will play a part in creating a society that provides equal access to education for all.

Several ministers are currently in Valletta Malta for the Conference on Youth Participation in Democratic Life, another event being held throughout the Maltese Presidency.