Maltese academics should feel empowered to speak boldly and fearlessly, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca told a seminar on Tuesday.

The seminar by the Faculty for Social Wellbeing discussed the theme 'Talking about the silence: Should academics position themselves on controversial issues?'

President Coleiro Preca said the freedom for academics to express themselves  was an essential factor to create, sustain, and encourage a free civil society.

Academics must be able to safeguard respectful and dignified spaces, in which frank discussions can take place, she said. 

"It is so important for our society, that you, as academics, are bold, share your knowledge, and speak up for what you believe in.

"Your ability, to exercise your academic freedom, is the closest we can get, as a nation, to break down the monopolies of power, privilege, party politics, and misinformation which so often constrain us."

She stressed the need to stand up for the truth even though the truth was sometimes inconvenient, especially for people in positions of power.

"Truth has never been so important in our world, as it is now, when false news, misinformation, and uncertainty have become the order of the day.

"Our academics and students must feel empowered to express themselves without fear or anxiety," she said. 

She urged the academics present to uphold their important position within Maltese society, as the champions of democratic participation and active citizenship.