Joseph Muscat

Prime Minister of Malta

Malta has a rich history of acting as a bridge between countries and continents. How will CHOGM Malta 2015 continue to build on this history?

The world is going through a very a difficult period. The terror attacks in Paris destabilised Europe and the world. That is why the world’s response should be to unite rather than retreating behind closed doors.

The 53 Commonwealth countries representing 2.2 billion people meeting at CHOGM Malta 2015 can send a very strong signal of unity and Malta is the perfect location as a nation which can act as a centre for peace, as it has done in the past.

Only a few days ago, we hosted the Valletta Summit on Migration, a gathering of African and European leaders, which for the first time discussed the global pressing topic of migration.

CHOGM Malta 2015 will be discussing the most relevant issues which the world is facing, from radicalisation which leads to violence, to migration and climate change. The Commonwealth can be relevant. And Malta can be the perfect platform for this global gathering to leave a mark and send a strong message that this gathering is relevant in this time of turmoil.

It’s been 10 years since Malta hosted its first CHOGM. How has the world changed in this decade and what are the main challenges we are facing today?

A decade is a short time in history, but the world has certainly changed drastically. There are so many positives that can be taken from the last 10 years that I will not get bogged down with the negatives.

We have seen a drastic change in connectivity, with the broadening of internet to the most remote places in the world. Technologically the world has advanced at supersonic speed and this is leading to a better quality of life for millions of people.

The world has also advanced in finding cures for so many diseases which seemed fatal until just a few years ago. Polio, for instance, has been almost eradicated and with a little bit of effort we can get rid of it once and for all.

We have seen countries at war come together and develop. However new conflicts have also emerged.

But looking back and putting everything into context, I would say the world has changed for the better. Our aim at CHOGM Malta 2015 however is to discuss the future, and shape it together. This year’s meeting should not be a talking shop. We, leaders of the Commonwealth have to come up with concrete solutions and when we meet again in two years’ time for the next CHOGM we have to assess our performance and judge the 2015 meeting based on the results achieved.

The theme of CHOGM Malta 2015 is ‘Adding Global Value’. What can Commonwealth countries contribute to the world?

Surely with a population of over 2.2 billion people, Commonwealth countries can offer a lot globally.

Take climate change for instance. The impact of large developed Commonwealth countries on the microstates in this same group of countries is dramatic. Discussing solutions among countries that are mainly responsible for climate change and others which are being affected by it will provide the perfect platform ahead of the COP21 summit in Paris.

Coming up with an agreed resolution in Malta on climate change would really show that the Commonwealth can add value globally.

The same goes for the other very important discussions which we will have at CHOGM, focusing on development goals, radicalisation and violence, migration, and strengtening trade among Commonwealth countries and the rest of the world.

Apart from acting as the host, what will Malta gain from this experience?

Malta will continue to strengthen its international profile as a small but strong Island State at the centre of diplomatic conventions.

There has been a rich build-up to CHOGM Malta 2015. What follow-up do you envisage?

The immediate follow-up is the COP21 taking place in Paris within hours of CHOGM Malta 2015 closing its doors, where Commonwealth States will have already discussed climate change during the special session dedicated to this topical issue.  Moreover, it is envisaged that through CHOGM Malta 2015, collaboration among the Commonwealth States will be strengthened on all fronts both within the association itself, as well as on a global level. This is expected to be achieved through the Trade Finance Facility and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Small States. This CHOGM will also seek to establish a reformed Commonwealth and with Malta at its chair for two years it will have the opportunity to drive home positions in collaboration with the other members of the Commonwealth.