Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1525812
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 AUGUST 2024 6 OPINION A renewed approach to international politics MALTA is a small island with a big voice. Our nation stands to seize the mo- ment to redefine its role on the interna- tional stage and continue to make bold, strategic moves that resonate beyond our shores. It's time our Labour Party steps up to be a player in European politics by strengthening its ties with the Progres- sive Alliance of Socialists and Demo- crats (S&D). This is an opportunity to drive the agenda, to be at the forefront of the conversations that matter. We need to be the ones setting the pace, not just keeping up with it, and without a doubt, our MEPs and politicians have the capa- bility, hunger and drive to achieve this. One of the areas in our international strategy we can re-energise is the power of youth. We have an untapped resource in our younger generation; an untapped resource that can bring a fresh, disrup- tive energy to the table. I propose we take youth political exchanges to the next level, creating not just opportuni- ties, but a whole new platform for young leaders to collaborate with their coun- terparts across Europe. One opportu- nity we should seek to exploit is closer ties and exchanges with Scandinavian Socialist parties. We need to move as far away as possible from concepts such as tokenism or building a pipeline of future politicians. Instead, we need to empow- er a generation that thinks differently, acts boldly, and isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. Our young mayors, local councillors and members of Cabinet and parliament are already setting the pace at a local level; it is now time to show the rest of Europe and the world what magic our youth are capable of. Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg has breathed much-needed life into the for- eign affairs portfolio and through his work, Malta has led by example as chair- person of the UN Security Council and the OSCE. This has placed us at the fore- front of international dialogue. It is now time we do the same at a party level and we should be aiming higher by leverag- ing our strategic location and our unique political climate to host high-stakes con- ferences and summits. By bringing am- bassadors and thought leaders to Malta, we can position ourselves as a critical player in global diplomacy. This isn't just about optics, it's about influence, about being the place where deals are made, and where ideas are born. Our relationship with the S&D and our MEPs should not just be polite collab- oration. We need to continue to create tangible, impactful projects that push boundaries and challenge traditional thinking. A clear example of this was MEP Alex Agius Saliba taking on Ap- ple, a multi-billion-dollar company, and forcing them to change their charging cable to a standard USB-C one. Togeth- er we can work on initiatives that aren't just aligned with our values but are also visionary, projects that make a real dif- ference in people's lives and elevate our standing within the European political landscape. We also cannot afford to ignore the power of the expatriate vote. We need to build a network that goes beyond diplo- matic niceties – creating strong, authen- tic relationships with ambassadors and expats. Beyond pandering for votes, this should be about genuinely understand- ing and representing the diverse perspec- tives of Maltese citizens living abroad, ensuring their voices shape our policies. We also cannot forget the thousands of persons who live, work, and contribute to Maltese society even though they do not necessarily consider themselves to be originally Maltese. They are part of our social fabric and need to be repre- sented. Education should be at the forefront of our new international vision. We need lectures, seminars, and workshops for our youth, delegates and members that don't just skim the surface but dive deep into the complexities of European insti- tutions and foreign political systems. We need to arm ourselves with the knowl- edge to outpace those who do not have the best interests of Malta and its people at heart. The Labour Party is going through re- newal. It is a party full of ideas, untapped potential, and driven individuals who can revolutionise the way we do pol- itics not just at a local level, but at an international one too. Over the past 13 years in government, the Labour Party has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands, providing hope and a voice to those neglected by a Nationalist gov- ernment that resisted change. Through a mixture of old and new faces, we can bring about a political revolution that can be a beacon of hope to others aspir- ing to do the same. John Grech is contesting the post of international secretary on the Labour Party executive John Grech The Labour Party is going through renewal. It is a party full of ideas, untapped potential, and driven individuals who can revolutionise the way we do politics not just at a local level, but at an international one too. Under Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg, Malta has led by example as chairperson of the UN Security Council and the OSCE