Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti attended the 6th Ministerial Conference of the 5+5 Western Mediterranean Dialogue on Research, Innovation, and Higher Education, held in Lisbon, Portugal. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in research and innovation across the Western Mediterranean region.
During the conference, Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti underscored Malta’s strong commitment to enhancing partnerships within the 5+5 Dialogue framework through close collaboration with Xjenza Malta, emphasizing the critical role of science, innovation, and higher education in driving sustainable development, fostering social inclusion, and empowering youth.
In his address, Azzopardi Tanti commended Portugal for its effective leadership during the Dialogue’s presidency and extended Malta’s full support to Libya as it assumes the presidency for the 2024-2026 term. He reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to advancing shared priorities, particularly in strengthening Mediterranean research networks and supporting partnerships that address the region’s unique challenges.
The conference marked the adoption of the Lisbon Declaration, which reaffirms the participating countries’ collective commitment to fostering cooperation in research, innovation, and higher education. Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti highlighted Malta’s contributions, including the plumtri platform, which facilitates collaboration and knowledge exchange among Mediterranean stakeholders. He also acknowledged Malta’s partnerships with Italy and Morocco, which have strengthened research networks and enhanced funding opportunities.
Looking ahead, Malta reaffirmed its dedication to the 2024-2026 Work Plan, with a particular focus on initiatives such as “Supporting Western Mediterranean Partnerships” and “Strengthening Mediterranean Research Networks”. These efforts aim to promote researcher mobility, bolster innovation capacities, and foster a dynamic and interconnected Mediterranean R&I ecosystem.
Azzopardi Tanti emphasized the importance of science diplomacy in achieving these objectives, noting that mobility, capacity building, and knowledge sharing are essential for ensuring that research and innovation contribute meaningfully to societal development.
Malta announced its readiness to assume the presidency of the 5+5 Dialogue following Libya’s term, from 2026 to 2028, expressing confidence in building on the successes of its predecessors and addressing future challenges collaboratively.
In closing, Azzopardi Tanti reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to the goals of the 5+5 Dialogue and its vision of a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative Mediterranean region. He expressed Malta’s readiness to lead efforts that will enhance resilience, integration, and prosperity for all.
Malta welcomed the adoption of the Lisbon Declaration as an important milestone in achieving these collective objectives.
