PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER The Speaker addresses the 10th Speakers’ Summit and 19th Plenary Session of the PA-UfM on 4 and 5 July 2026 in Cairo

In his first international engagement since being elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressing the 10th PA-UfM Speakers' Summit in Cairo, Speaker Carmelo Abela emphasised the importance of dialogue, parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation in promoting peace and stability across the Mediterranean and the Middle East. He highlighted the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence while stressing the need for responsible governance that safeguards democratic values, accountability and fundamental rights.

Speaker Abela also underlined the crucial role of young people and women in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future. Referring to the Maltese Parliament's newly established Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, he reaffirmed Malta's commitment to innovation, democratic participation and multilateral engagement, stressing that peace and stability depend on wise technological governance, empowered communities and sustained dialogue among nations.

The Speakers unanimously adopted a joint declaration which included an amendment put forward by Speaker Abela calling for sustained international efforts to support recovery, reconstruction and institution-building in conflict-affected areas, with a view to fostering durable stability and resilience across the Mediterranean region.

Addressing the 19th Plenary Session of the PA-UfM, Speaker Abela reaffirmed Malta's strong commitment to the Mediterranean, not only by geography but by conviction. He highlighted the importance of innovation and the positive impact it can have on people's lives, particularly the most vulnerable, while stressing that Artificial Intelligence must remain a tool that serves humanity rather than governs it. He warned that technology without accountability risks weakening public trust and emphasised the need to guide technological progress with conscience and responsibility. Speaker Abela also underlined the importance of youth engagement and empowerment, welcoming the incoming Presidency's focus on involving young people more actively in public life. He stressed that institutions must listen to younger generations in order to maintain their trust, while also calling for greater opportunities for young people and women to lead, not merely to be represented. Referring to ongoing conflicts in the Mediterranean region, he urged political courage and a shared sense of responsibility to build a more peaceful and inclusive future.

The plenary session adopted recommendations of the Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights Committee, the Economic and Financial Affairs, Social Affairs and Education Committee, the Committee on Women's Rights in Euro-Mediterranean Countries and of the Committee on Energy, Environment and Water.

The plenary also adopted the composition of the PA-UfM Bureau and the distribution of committee chairs for the period 2026-2030. In recognition of Malta's leadership in promoting youth participation and engagement, the Maltese Parliament was appointed Chair of the newly established Committee on Youth Policy.

The Presidency of the PA-UfM was handed over from Egypt to the European Parliament at the end of the 19th Assembly in Cairo.

Speaker Abela was assisted throughout the engagements in Cairo by Ambassador Andre Spiteri and was accompanied by Clerk of the House Eleanor Scerri.