Malta Solidarity International

H.E. The President, Prof. Guido de Marco and Mrs. de Marco, this morning presented the prizes to the winners of the Lottery of the ‘Ball of the August Moon' at The Palace, Valletta. During the meeting President de Marco remarked that the August Moon Ball was not only a social event, but was an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity. As a fund-raising activity it sought to channel resources into areas and situations which warrant assistance at the national level.

The purpose of the ‘Ball of the August Moon' was also one which sought to raise awareness of the need for demonstration of solidarity, not only at the national level but also on the international level.

President de Marco stated how, in recent months, we have witnessed a number of tragedies in our region. The humanitarian situation in Kosovo, the recent earthquake in Turkey, have each in their own manner, demonstrated the solidarity of the Maltese people, not through the resources the Maltese as a people had given to the various funds, but also through their presence on the field. Kosovo is a distinct and distinguished example of the capability and the willingness of the international solidarity of the Maltese people.

All over the world, Maltese citizens have distinguished themselves in the voluntary field. In Africa, in Asia, in Latin America, and in Europe, Maltese voluntary workers, both lay and religious, have undertaken to demonstrate solidarity by hands-on work on long-term or on short-term projects. The President recalled how on various occasions, both as President of the United Nations General Assembly and as Minister of Foreign Affairs, he had visited a number of refugee camps, in Ethiopia, in the Occupied Territories and other places. He also recalled having met with a number of Maltese people, both religious and lay, who were working overseas on development projects.

Reflecting on these points, H.E. the President stated that the creation of an association, such as those which exist in other countries, where voluntary workers feel they are part of an organization geared towards international assistance, would be beneficial to Malta. Such an association or organization, with a nomenclature such as Malta Solidarity International, could be a combined effort of all those Maltese organizations operating in the field overseas. Discussions as to the format, aims and purposes of such an organization would be a co-operative effort, which would ensure a coherent policy of overseas voluntary assistance through the contribution of human resources and expertise.

Maltese youths also are known for their civic spirit. The investment in our youths is an investment in our future. Their involvement in such a project would not only contribute towards character-building, but also expose our youths to different experiences which they may benefit from throughout their lives. It also serves to underscore a sense of commitment which may be in effect translated at the local level.