Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1183920
11 NOTWITHSTANDING its geographic size, and our lack of natural resources, there is one area in which our country has unabatedly excelled at: the merits of its people. Our history is gratitiously full to the brim with success sto- ries of activism, breakthroughs and prominence in various fields. It should come as no sur- prise to anyone therefore, that whenever we look at the Mal- tese diaspora, these success stories remain ever-present. Most of the Maltese living abroad have distinguished themselves in their particular field of work, with some being even renowned across the world for their achievements and popularity. From medical professionals, to local historians; from local media personalities, to educa- tors and writers - the contribu- tion given, in their respective field by these people with Mal- tese ancestry, is substantial, and is to be applauded. And yet, their activism does not stop here. On the contrary, many of Malta's descendants residing abroad feel that they have something to offer to their motherland rather than only advocating the needs of their communities. Apart from advocating the needs of their respective communities, many of these expats have retain their strong connection to their country of origin, and continuously feel that they have something to offer to their motherland. Even though many years passed, residing thousands of miles away from their country of birth, the Maltese living abroad never forgot their real roots. It was only in 2011 that the need for a representative or- gan, acting on behest of these sons and daughters of our country, was finally recog- nised, and that such a need was legally addressed. When ACT XX of 2011 was enacted, it led to the creation of a representative council for all the Maltese Living Abroad around the globe. Today, the Council for the Maltese Living Abroad (CMLA), which is currently is made up of 15 per- sons representing the Maltese Diaspora, represents expats from no less than 130 different countries all around the world. The scope of this Council has also been steadily expand- ing: This is the first Council set-up that included amongst its members, second and third generation migrants. We took this step forward so that this council becomes more rel- evant in this day and age. During the 10th annual meeting of the CMLA, which took place at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion earlier this month, one could see a new approach emerging. Whilst its members brought forward complaints and discussed subjects which directly and indirectly affect all of the Maltese Diaspora and the particular communities represented by each member, the Council brought forward practical proposals to improve the life of all migrants and, above all, to contribute to the socio-economic and cultural life of the Maltese Islands. We are currently striving for- ward to research, exploit and ensure that all the necessary tools are present, so that an outreach exercise will be held to all of the Maltese Diaspora. One of the ways we intend to bring such an aspiration to re- ality is through the setting up of regional committees. The concept of regional commit- tees is enshrined in law, but it was never implemented. After eight years, the setting up of the regional committees is a step in the right direction to reach more Maltese Living Abroad, especially the younger generations, who have still to experience what it means to be Maltese. The 15 people sitting around the table at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs once a year, represent a Maltese population which is twice as big as the population actually living in the Maltese Islands. When one looks at the CM- LA from this perspective, one can realise what an important role this council plays. Through the sterling work being done by its members, the Maltese can continue to reach out to their brothers and sisters populating the four corners of the world. And yet, our work is not finished. Next year, we'll be organising a new summit, entitled "Keeping Connected", which will bring together the largest number of repre- sentatives, on behalf of various Maltese expat communities, since these initiatives started taking hold. We're not only inviting direct ascendants, but we're also extending our hands to descendants to the fourth, and even fifth generation, who are proud to call Malta their place of origin, and wish to contrib- ute to their respective expat community. As a country, we must not re- main inward-looking: Rather, we must look at a global Malta, in an increasingly-globalised international community, with a Maltese diaspora which is ever-expanding. The interests of these com- munities are equal and similar to those of the citizens living here, and this summit will undeniably be a massive op- portunity for their voices to be heard, for their concerns to be addressed, and for Malta to welcome with open arms all those who are of Maltese ancestry. Our efforts to strengthen the voice of all those who call themselves Maltese, wherever they may reside, as well as their descendants wherever they may be, are becoming stronger year after year. I envision further and bigger projects relating to this issue in the horizon, and welcome such initiatives with open arms. maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 NOVEMBER 2019 Carmelo Abela is Minister for Foreign Affairs OPINION Carmelo Abela Strengthening a global Maltese community Most of the Maltese living abroad have distinguished themselves in their particular field of work, with some being even renowned across the world for their achievements and popularity www.creditinfo.com.mt info@creditinfo.com.mt Tel: 2131 2344 Your Local Partner for Credit Risk Management Solutions Supporting you all the way Minister Carmelo Abela with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and attendees of the 10th annual meeting of the Council of Maltese living abroad