'Parliamentary' debate on climate change to mark Europe Day

The Chamber of the House of Representatives will come to life on May 9 - a day before the new parliamentary session opens - when students take on policy-makers in a debate on climate change and inter-cultural dialogue, to mark Europe Day.

The 'sitting' will be chaired by the Speaker of the House and will include ministers, MPs, representatives of environmental NGOs and Maltese MEPs who will reply to questions put by the students. The students, from 13 schools, will be seeking a commitment from the policy-makers on tackling climate change.

The debate is being organised by the Malta office of the European Parliament.

The Europe Day debate will be followed by the hoisting of the flags of the 27 EU member states and the EU flag in the palace courtyard in a ceremony presided by President Eddie Fenech Adami.

The EP Office said that in another event, earlier on May 9, schools across Malta will switch off their electricity lighting for 15 minutes to focus on the impact of electricity usage on climate change.

The Europe Day events are being held in association with the European Commission representation in Malta, Forum Malta fl-Ewropa and the Ministry of Education

Other events leading up to May 9 include radio programmes and events for students. Football events will be held at Ta' Qali on May 10