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Addressing Climate Change: Insights from Small Island States and the Commonwealth

On Monday 16 March 2026, the British High Commission Malta and the University of Malta hosted a panel discussion titled “Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Small Island States and the Commonwealth: A UK‑Malta Partnership” at the KSU Common Room on the Msida Campus. The discussion, a timely and urgent topic, brought together a number of experts who shared their insights on how Small Island States and the Commonwealth are addressing climate change issues of immediate concern.

Attended by UM staff, students as well as members of the general public, the talk explored how small island states like Malta can respond to climate change while building a sustainable future. Rising sea levels, environmental pressures, and economic vulnerabilities were highlighted as key challenges facing these nations.

The panel featured Hon. Chris Elmore, UK Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of State for Multilateral Affairs, Human Rights, Latin America and the Caribbean, who shared insights on international cooperation and climate policy. 

Prof. Alfred J. Vella, Rector of the University of Malta, and H.E. Victoria Busby OBE, British High Commissioner to Malta, delivered the opening remarks, which highlighted Malta’s efforts to address climate change, its role as a Small Island State in the global sustainability agenda, and the importance of international cooperation in building a resilient and sustainable future.

Experts and leaders also discussed Malta’s evolving role as a partner among small island developing states, including contributions from Prof. Stefano Moncada, Director of the Islands and Small States Institute, and Mr Patrick Mifsud head of the SIDS and Commonwealth Unit at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, as well Mr William Grech, director the development NGO Kopin. Pro-Rector for International Development and Quality Assurance, Prof. Frank Bezzina concluded by highlighting the importance of research and partnerships to effectively tackle the climate crisis. The session was moderated by Prof. Simone Borg, Climate Action Ambassador for Malta.

“Climate change is an existential threat to small islands, which are extremely vulnerable to extreme weather events,” noted Prof. Moncada. “Recent events like Storm Harry in Malta show that these are no longer distant or hypothetical risks - for small states, climate change is an immediate challenge that demands urgent action.”

The event concluded with reflections on the role young people can play in shaping future climate action and sustainable development strategies for small island states.