The President warned this morning that a dangerous ideology was threatening the vision of a united, inclusive country as she urged MPs and leaders of society not to give in to the threat.

“I dream of and believe in a confident and inclusive Malta,” President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said in a strongly-worded speech.

She said she believed that the Maltese people could face the rapid change the world was going through by being inclusive in all sectors, but especially in education, enabling all persons to participate in society with dignity and respect for human rights.

This should be a common, unifying culture.

The President said society needed to better appreciate the benefits of multi-culturalism and solidarity. It was for this purpose that the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society was formed.

Through the foundation, many people were able to share their experiences, find recognition and give their ideas about building a society based on respect and dignity.

We must react to this divisive mentality by promoting inclusivity in education

“The work is not easy, and, clearly, this vision faces serious threats. Unfortunately some people profit from lack of information and possible ignorance and seek to divide and destroy the values that should be uniting us.

“Those is a position of responsibility in this country should feel themselves threatened by this dangerous ideology. Our efforts and the efforts of those who would like to bring about a truly inclusive society are being shackled by people who have closed their hearts to the message of unity and peace.

“They refuse to consider that there are different lifestyles to their own. These are minds closed in egoism which may lead to introvert societies, extremism, and even violence.

“Therefore, we must react to this divisive mentality by promoting inclusivity in education.”

“We should be courageous and participate in difficult discussions on issues such as migration, multi-culturalism and fundamental human rights," Ms Coleiro Preca said..

They needed to work towards non-violent solutions that were suitable to society by insisting on dialogue and respect for different views.

“I appeal to politicians and the leaders of civil society to respond forcefully to their duties by leading by example in recognition that they have a responsibility for their actions."