Can Global Security Begin In Malta? A Youth Perspective On The OSCE Summit
Malta, a nation situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, has long been recognised for its strategic role in mediating and facilitating dialogue on global issues. With a huge portfolio in showing its commitment to neutrality, Malta is an ideal mediator in global discussions.
Malta has long used its strategic geography and diplomacy to promote peace and dialogue. It joined the Non-Aligned Movement in 1973 as the third European member, advocating for Mediterranean peace and development. After hosting the 1989 Bush-Gorbachev summit, Malta shifted its focus by withdrawing from the Non-Aligned Movement upon joining the European Union on 1st May 2004. Today, Malta actively contributes to international organisations like the UN, Commonwealth, OSCE and Council of Europe.
This past year has been a historic one for Malta and its international prowess. Having a seat at the UN Security Council and being the Chair of the world’s largest regional organisation, the OSCE, gave the small island nation the unique opportunity to participate in high-level global peace discussions in an amplified way.
Malta was also able to lead the OSCE to consensus on its new senior leadership package as the organisation faced unprecedented times of disagreement. Concluding Malta’s Chair at the OSCE, the country hosted the 31st Ministerial Council which brought delegations from 57 countries together.
Founded in 1975 during the height of the Cold War, the OSCE promotes security through dialogue. It is a space where diplomats from countries within the widely-spanning OSCE region can come together, discuss and eventually, cooperate. The OSCE tackles issues such as conflicts, cyber threats, and climate security. This raises an interesting question:
Can Malta serve as the starting point for global security reform? And how can youth, as future leaders, contribute to building a safer and more cooperative world?
While global security might seem like an abstract concept, its impacts deeply affect the younger generation. From conflicts that displace millions to cyber threats eroding trust in digital spaces, these challenges require the attention and action of today’s youth.
As the OSCE Summit draws international focus, Lovin Malta spoke with Mariah Zammit, President of the National Youth Council (KNŻ), to explore how Maltese youth can play a meaningful role in global security discussions.
Zammit emphasised Malta’s position as a mediator between European and global youth networks, leveraging its geopolitical role to collaborate on critical issues such as migration, climate change, and peace building. She stressed that KNŻ’s active membership in international organisations like the European Youth Forum and the Youth Health Organisation as key platforms for amplifying youth voices.
She praised KNŻ’s past initiatives, such as supporting Belarusian and Ukrainian youth through targeted motions, and stressed the importance of Lviv’s designation as the European Youth Capital for 2025.
“Youth from conflict zones deserve not just solidarity but actionable support, and Malta can be a leader in this regard,” Zammit noted.
Drawing from the recent World Health Summit, where KNŻ was represented, Zammit reiterated WHO Secretary-General Tedros Ghebreyesus’ statement: “There can be no health without peace, and there can be no peace without health.” She believes these interconnected principles should guide youth participation in global security.
What if young voices were included in OSCE discussions?
Zammit proposed three key priorities for Maltese youth to champion in global security reform:
1.Inclusion in decision-making: Establishing youth advisory councils within the OSCE to bridge generational gaps in policymaking.
2.Focus on climate and cybersecurity: Addressing climate security and digital threats, which disproportionately affect younger populations.
3.Peace education: Promoting educational initiatives that empower youth as peacebuilders and encourage intercultural understanding across member states.
“Malta might be small, but its youth have the potential to inspire a global shift toward peace and cooperation. The OSCE Summit is our moment to show the world what we can achieve.”
Do you agree with any of Mariah’s proposals?
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