Under the aegis of the Office of the President of Malta, 12th December 2022
The year-long celebrations of the IOI’s 50th Anniversary came to a fitting close with a significant event hosted by HE George Vella, President of the Republic of Malta, at the Presidential Palace of San Anton in Malta. The Colloquium was an opportunity for the President and guest speakers to review the 50-year history of the IOI and an excellent occasion to reflect on the Institute’s very close links with Malta and the adoption of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
During the event, high level addresses were given by Dr A Behnam – Honorary President of the IOI, HE Simone Borg – Ambassador for Climate Action, Malta and Representative of the Government of Malta to the IOI Governing Board, and HE Karmenu Vella – Former European Commissioner for Environment, Marine Affairs and Fisheries, followed by an address from HE President Vella to the IOI Governing Board members and invitees.
President Vella remarked that “Malta is a proud host to the IOI and, over the years, has afforded diplomatic status to this flagship organisation……. On this occasion, it is very fitting to applaud the work done by Professor Elisabeth Mann Borgese, Ambassador Arvid Pardo, and Ambassador Saviour Borg in this domain among others.”
Furthermore “Nowadays, the IOI is globally renowned as an early pioneer in the struggle to protect the Ocean and ocean communities of island and developing states…… Even more broadly this institute has remained a prominent contributor to Malta’s highly respected standing in multilateral circles and acted in a concrete and longstanding commitment to a principle-driven agenda that promotes the collective global good. The IOI can rest assured of Malta’s continued commitment and support in fulfilling its mission in the future.”
On this important milestone, President Vella kindly penned a souvenir message recognizing the IOI’s long-standing work in Ocean affairs and saluting the memory of Professor Elisabeth Mann Borgese and Dr Arvid Pardo. The event was followed by a small reception hosted by the Palace, bringing to a close the official events commemorating the IOI’s first 50 years and providing a fitting launch to the 60th meeting of the IOI Governing Board which commenced that afternoon.
Video Credits: Office of the President, Malta