I am glad to be here with you today for the inauguration of the Malta Lounge at the European Youth Centre.
I am present here President of Malta, but I am here also as a person who has unwavering faith in the power of young people. Hence, this occasion is of special significance to me.
Youths are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are the voices courageously shaping the democratic fabric of Europe today.
This inauguration, coming towards the end of Malta’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, is no coincidence.
Rather, it is a deliberate statement of Malta’s continuous and sustained commitment at national level — a precept which is being crystallised in this space, here in Strasbourg, with this inauguration of the Malta Lounge, at the European Youth Centre.
It reflects the colours of our Presidency, symbolising openness, dialogue, and cooperation.
We hope it will be a space where ideas are shared, experiences exchanged, and meaningful connections built.
Most importantly, it is a space where young people can make themselves visible, and they can make themselves heard, respected and valued.
Just a few weeks ago, at the Youth Ministerial Conference in Valletta, it was clear: that youth participation is a fundamental test of any democracy’s legitimacy and strength – youth participation is not optional, it is imperative!
With the adoption of the Final Declaration, the Resolution, and the Reference Framework for a Youth Perspective, States collectively committed to turning that principle into concrete and sustained action.
The Malta Lounge is a natural continuation of that vision.
It is a tangible expression of our belief that participation must not only be protected, but above all, it has to be made possible – it has to be facilitated through safe, accessible and open spaces, specifically designed for young people in mind, aimed at widening the frontiers of their thoughts, their dreams and their visions, thereby resulting into more freedoms, dignities and further evolved rights for people.
When such a space is created with the intention to imbue shared trust and shared respect, it signals the starting point of a chain reaction of ongoing waves of cooperative discussions, creating innovative solutions to problem situations.
This is something we have witnessed in Malta, time and time again, not least through the work of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ – our National Youth Agency.
Aġenzija Żgħażagħ continues to lead with creativity and conviction in building inclusive, youth-centred services and spaces, in generating discussions, in posing forward-looking proposals.
Their efforts, and those of countless youth agencies and organisations across the continent, show us that when we invest in youth infrastructure – whether physical, institutional or political – we are not just designing buildings, but we are effectively laying the foundations for a more participatory, resilient and just democracy, utilising the present space to make inroads for a better future.
The Malta Lounge captures this living spirit: a dedicated space where young voices come together to exchange, learn, and grow – empowered to shape the course of our democracy today, and more so, for future generations.
Meaningful participation cannot be momentary. Neither can it be sporadic.
It requires a lasting presence at the table, and spaces that nurture ideas, foster dialogue, and inspire lasting change.
Youth empowerment is an ongoing responsibility; to be shared and shouldered by all, continuously nurtured and strengthened – an immutable benchmark of democratic standards in our democracies, a must for the continued evolvement of humanity-centred rights in our societies.
The Malta Lounge is dedicated to Malta’s steadfast commitment to embrace and include youth as a vital component of a vibrant democracy.
It is also a testament to the Council of Europe’s enduring mission to place people – especially young people – at the heart of public life.
It is my hope that the Malta Lounge will become a lasting symbol of Malta’s Presidency – a place where democracy, in all its complexity and promise, is lived and continuously renewed.
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