Mr Speaker

President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace

Honorable Members of Parliament

Distinguished Guests

It is with great pleasure that I join you today at the inaugural session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace, the representative body of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace – the GCTP.

We are gathered here, national parliamentary representatives hailing from different regions of the world, to demonstrate the importance we give to fostering tolerance and peace.

We can’t have peace if there is no tolerance – the quality of accepting other people’s rights to their own opinions, beliefs, or actions.

The objectives and the work programme of the GCTP – to act as an international space and a global platform to serve the ideals of tolerance, peace, and high humanitarian objectives – are commendable and are fully supported by the Government of Malta. 

As host of the GCTP, Malta is eager and determined to continue playing its part towards taking forward and implementing those shared objectives that serve the purposes of building international partnerships, instilling values of tolerance and culture, rejecting extremism, and supporting regional and international youth initiatives.

The launch of this new international parliament stands in testimony to our determination to further this inclusive approach based on renouncing conflicts and fostering a culture of peace and non-violence, as well as religious and cultural understanding.

I am certain that together, as parliamentarians, there is a lot that we can accomplish for the benefit of all people, no matter their life circumstances, or religious or political beliefs. After all, as their elected representatives, we must not leave any stone unturned in our efforts to promote a culture of tolerance in our societies.

This launch comes at a time when the international community is faced with an ever-increasing number of crises and conflicts igniting and burning around the world, which are directly challenging our societies. Lying at the crossroads of civilisations and cultures, Malta has always believed in playing an active role in nurturing a better understanding between cultures and peoples, not only within its immediate neighbourhood but also further afield. 

As host to the GCTP, Malta looks forward, and commits to continue engaging actively, in assisting the GCTP in cooperating and building international partnerships to instil values of tolerance and culture, reject radicalism, and promote preventive diplomacy. 

We look forward, in particular, to the GCTP’s objective of developing and implementing joint programmes, events, and conferences to promote tolerance, peace, and security at all levels; supporting regional and international youth initiatives; as well as the joint launching and supervision of a major international award for tolerance and peace; to contribute in the protection of international peace.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you once again for being here today, as your presence reaffirms our common belief that we can only address global challenges together, in cooperating and building international partnerships. Your presence is testament to our commitment to instil a culture of awareness, acceptance of others, dialogue, moderation, forgiveness, and peace.

I would like to wish you every success in your endeavours to advance these values, for the benefit of all.

Thank you