Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541557
VIRGINIA Gamba does not quiv- er when I ask her whether she will be the next United Nations secre- tary-general: "I know I will because I have the right experience." The 71-year-old diplomat, who recently stepped down from her role as special representative of the secretary general for children and armed conflict at the UN, is an expert on strategic issues rela- tive to peace, security and human security. Aptly, the interview is held in the conference room at Fort St Elmo, where Gamba waxes lyrical about Malta's foreign policy that has championed "principled mul- tilateralism". She says small countries like Malta are best placed to become "safe spaces" where conflicting parties can meet. "There is a big role for Malta to play to become what I call, the great interpreter between the north, south, west and east," she tells me, adding that "Maltese people are excellent at finding a compromise that is principled." Gamba believes multilateralism cannot be undone despite a con- certed international push to the contrary led by the United States under Donald Trump. "We are in a time where multilateralism is being questioned by the powerful countries that are trying their best to reach bilateral arrangements. But they themselves cannot yet prove that these alternatives lead to better results." With Gamba I also raise the is- sue of genocide in Gaza but she insists the word is politically load- ed and is defined by international law. We also discuss the war in Ukraine and the plight of child soldiers. A small country like Malta has its national interest but it identified some time ago some very good priorities such as defending multilateralism because it is conducive to wellbeing of societies 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 NOVEMBER 2025 INTERVIEW UN sec-gen candidate Virginia Gamba: 'Malta could play role of the great interpreter' Virginia Gamba from Argentina is vying to be the next UN secretary-general when Antonio Guterres's current term expires next year. While in Malta as a guest of the foreign ministry, she sits down with Kurt Sansone to discuss her bid, genocide and child soldiers.