Lasting legacy of Borg Olivier's speeches

The repercussions of a speech delivered by former Prime Minister Giorgio Borg Olivier before the UN General Assembly in 1967 can be still felt worldwide 40 years later, Prof. David Attard said.

Prof. Attard, a University lecturer specialising in international law, was speaking at a lecture, titled Towards An Equitable International Order: Borg Olivier's Contribution, at Auberge D'Aragon, Dr Borg Olivier's former office when he was Prime Minister.

The lecture was organised by the Academy for the Development of a Democratic Environment (AŻAD) and hosted by the Justice and Home Affairs Ministry.

In his lecture, Prof. Attard spoke about Dr Borg Olivier's six speeches delivered before the UN General Assembly in 1967. He said the legal and political intricacies during the last 40 years created after his speech can still be seen today.

He referred to Dr Borg Olivier's proposal, before the UN Council, to register trade in arms while offering Malta's participation in the UN Peace Forces. However, he said that Dr Borg Olivier's most important proposal was the Law Of The Sea initiative: "His proposal dramatically changed the international maritime order and paved the legal path for international collaboration on climate change." President Eddie Fenech Adami, Acting Prime Minister Giovanna Debono, Speaker of the House Louis Galea, Presidents Emeriti Guido de Marco and Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and other ministers were also present.

Those interested in obtaining a copy of Prof. Attard's lecture can call on 2124 7515 or drop an e-mail to info@azad-malta.com.