The University of Malta together with the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality have signed a memorandum of understanding marking another step for further collaboration.
Welcomed in the Council Room by the University of Malta Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, the Permanent Secretary Mr Emanuel Psaila on behalf of the Ministry sat down to briefly discuss the main objectives of this agreement. The joint collaboration envisages more research to be conducted in the realms of Gender equality and the LGBTI+ community. Moreover, the two parties commit to touch base with regards to their respective marketing efforts and policy making in this field.
Present for the event were Prof. JosAnn Cutajar, Co-Chair of the Gender Equality and Sexual Diversity Committee at the University of Malta, as well as Mr Michael Camilleri accompanied by Ms Annalise Desira, Director and Assistant Director at the Human Rights Directorate, respectively.
“At UM, we always strive to have an inclusive and equal community among our administrative and academic staff, not least with our students,” expressed Prof. Vella on behalf of University of Malta. He continued, “This collaboration together with the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality is another step forward in ensuring further research related to the various issues affecting Gender Equality and the LGBTI+ community, with the aim being that of creating further debate towards achieving a brighter future for society.”
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary of the MHSR expressed his satisfaction at this collaboration which will enable further research on areas relating to equality. Subsequently, this will be pivotal in providing insight for future policy initiatives.
The Director of the Human Rights Directorate, Mr Michael Camilleri, stated that this MoU compliments the ongoing work the Directorate is doing in line with Malta’s first Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan (GEMSAP) and continues to build on collaboration already established through the publication of UM research touching on LGBTIQ+ equality. He continued to explain how GEMSAP and the upcoming LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy and Action Plan aim to mainstream gender and SOGIGESC equality. Also through this MoU, the HRD continues to address existing knowledge-gaps.
