THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Maltese Parliamentary delegation participates in the 17th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean

The 17th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) was held in Rabat, Morocco on 1-2 March. The Maltese delegation was headed by MP Katya De Giovanni, and comprised MPs Ray Abela, Graziella Galea, on. Davina Sammut Hili and Bernice Bonello. Reports of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Standing Committee were presented during the plenary session, whilst a number of resolutions were adopted by the delegates present at the Assembly.

MP De Giovanni spoke during the 3rd Standing Committee session on Dialogue among Civilisations and Human Rights, and Activities for 2023. She referred to a PhD study by Audrey Abela which is outlining the fact that when it comes to reporting of domestic violence, male victims tend to shy away more than women from filing a report with the authorities. She emphasised that PAM and this Committee, in particular, should also take this aspect into consideration when dealing with reports on domestic violence.

MP Ray Abela, who has been recently appointed PAM Rapporteur on Digitalisation, addressed the plenary on the subject. He stated that digitalisation is now dictating our lives, how we communicate, the way we purchase and sell things, research, study and more than anything, entertain ourselves. Although digitalisation is an opportunity for the region, the digital divide is a challenge which requires cooperation to be overcome. He concluded his intervention by informing the delegates that in the coming weeks a research initiative will be launched through a questionnaire to examine the level of digitalisation in member countries and therefore, take stock of the situation in the region.

MP Graziella Galea, who has recently been appointed PAM Rapporteur on the Environment, presented the report and resolution on the outcome of the COP 27 and the impact of climate change. She referred to the dire situation in which our globe, and in particular the Mediterranean region, finds itself in due to the impact of climate change. MP Galea then outlined the results achieved during the COP 27, which although not all have been positive, included some important decisions. One such decision was the agreement reached on the creation of a “Loss and Damage Fund for Vulnerable Countries” to help and compensate developing countries with limited spending capabilities. She also referred to the biological resources of the oceans, and especially for the welfare of the Mediterranean Basin. She informed that PAM is closely monitoring the ongoing negotiations at the UN in New York aimed at finding the first ever legally binding instrument on the use of biological resources beyond national jurisdictions.

The plenary also elected the new PAM President, Mr Enaam Mayara, Speaker of the Moroccan House of Councillors, for the bi-ennum 2023-2024, as well as the new Bureau.

The PAM is an international organisation that was established in 2005 by the national parliaments of the Mediterranean region, with the aim of boosting political, social, and economic cooperation and finding solutions for mutual challenges.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister