Join the Discussion on Climate Change in Small Island States and the Commonwealth
Event: Climate change and sustainable development in Small Island States and the Commonwealth: A UK-Malta partnership
Date: Monday 16 March 2026
Time: 12:00 – 13:00
Venue: KSU Common Room, Msida Campus, UM
Students and staff are invited to attend an important panel discussion exploring how small island states like Malta can respond to climate change while building a sustainable future. The event, titled “Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Small Island States and the Commonwealth: A UK-Malta Partnership,” will take place in the KSU Common Room from 12:00 to 13:00.
Climate change is not just a global issue: it is a reality that directly affects small island nations. Rising sea levels, environmental pressures, and economic vulnerabilities make sustainability and resilience key priorities.
This discussion will give students the opportunity to hear first-hand how governments, institutions, and international partners are working together to address these challenges within the Commonwealth.
The panel will feature Hon. Chris Elmore, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Multilateral, Human Rights, Latin America & the Caribbean).
As the UK Minister responsible for the Commonwealth, he plays a direct role in shaping international cooperation on development, climate policy, and partnerships between countries such as Malta and the United Kingdom. Hearing his perspective offers a rare insight into how climate diplomacy and policy decisions are made at the international level.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Prof. Alfred J. Vella, Rector of the University of Malta, and H.E. Victoria Busby OBE, British High Commissioner to Malta.
Students will also hear from experts and leaders working closely on these issues, including Prof. Stefano Moncada, Director of the Islands and Small States Institute (ISSI) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) lead author, as well as other key representatives from Malta’s international development and sustainability sectors.
The experience of Malta as donor country and an emerging trusted partner among small island developing states will be discussed with Mr Patrick Mifsud, Head of the SIDS and Commonwealth Unit, Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, while Mr William Grech, Director of the NGO , will address how Maltese development NGOs are engaging nationally and internationally to promote sustainable development and foster solid partnerships
The discussion will be moderated by Prof. Simone Borg, Climate Action Ambassador for Malta and Professor of Law at UM.
Closing remarks will be delivered by Prof. Frank Bezzina, ISSI Chair and Pro-Rector for International Development & Quality Assurance at UM.
For students interested in environmental studies, international relations, law, policy, economics, or sustainability, this session offers a unique opportunity to engage with leading voices shaping climate action and development strategies for small island states.
Students are encouraged to attend and take part in this timely conversation on the future of small island states and the role young people can play in shaping sustainable solutions.
Register your interest in attending in-person by filling in or alternatively, to attend the event remotely.
