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鈥淏eyond nationality there is humanity鈥� 鈥� Distinguished UM academic delivered keynote speech at the commemoration of Victory Day 2025

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Since first commemorated nearly a century ago, the remembrance of the victories of Malta is marked by a keynote speech delivered by a distinguished personality in the presence of the highest authorities of the State, dignitaries and the public. The first was delivered by the national poet Dun Karm Psaila. Other speeches in recent decades were delivered by notable academics of the University of Malta – Oliver Friggieri, Joseph M. Pirotta, Prof. Joseph A. Cannataci, Prof. Victor Mallia Milanes, Stephen C. Spiteri, Prof. Alexiei Dingli, Prof. Joseph Friggieri, Godfrey A. Pirotta, Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci, Prof. Carmen Sammut, Prof. Raymond Mangion and Prof. Joseph J. Borg – including former rectors, namely Rev. Peter Serracino Inglott, Prof. Roger Ellul-Micallef and Prof. Juanito Camilleri.

This year’s keynote speech was delivered by Prof. Lino Bianco on Friday, 5 September, at Misra魔 l-Assedju l-Kbir, Valletta. Prof. Bianco called for national unity through humanity. Basing his arguments and reflections on thought-provoking historical facts, he argued for national unity through courage and determination, faith, and civilisation. He recalled that, since antiquity, Malta was a sanctuary for refuge and protection. Prof. Bianco called out greed which took over sectors of Maltese society, an egoistic act which is creating two extremes in society – the greedy rich and the vulnerable poor. An unabridged version of the speech is available online.

With reference to cultural diversity, Prof. Bianco stated that “differences, not homogeneity, enrich unity”. Foreign migrants have dignity; they support our economy as workers not as slaves; “beyond nationality there is humanity”. He concluded his speech by stating that “courage is born from the heart, faith from the soul, whilst civilisation from the mind. The symbiotic relationship between them ensures our unity as a nation”.

Prof. Bianco was made Member of the National Order of Merit (the Xirka 臓ie魔 ir-Repubblika) by the President of the Republic of Malta in recognition for his work undertaken towards a better environment and planning practice. He was awarded the Order of the Madara Horseman (First Class) by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria for his significant involvement in the advancement of bilateral cooperation between the two nations, and the Cross of Commander ‘Pro Merito Melitensi’ by the Sovereign Council of the Order of Malta for the promotion of Christian values.