BALZAN, 11 September 2025 – Within the framework of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe and in conjunction with Malta’s Pride Week celebrations, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination convened in Malta to discuss ongoing efforts to promote equality, inclusion, and human rights across Council of Europe member states.
Opening the session, Deputy Speaker Hon. David Agius reaffirmed the collective responsibility of member states to uphold the principles of equality, dignity, and human rights. He acknowledged the inequalities and challenges that persist across Europe while emphasising that these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of justice and inclusion.
“While these priorities have been put forward by Malta, they are not just ours,” Hon. Agius stated. “They are shared by all of us who believe in an inclusive and equal Europe. They are the priorities that bind us together in spite of our differences.”
Beyond technical discussions, the Committee held an engaging exchange with key national stakeholders, including Dr Helena Dalli, former European Commissioner for Equality; Ms Renee Laiviera, Commissioner of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality; Ms Samantha Pace Gasan, Commissioner on Domestic and Gender-Based Violence; and Ms Miriam Teuma, Chief Executive Officer of Malta’s National Youth Agency.
Their contributions brought together diverse perspectives from policymaking, advocacy, and youth engagement — bridging the gap between policy and practice and underscoring the importance of inclusive strategies to promote equality and combat discrimination in all its forms.
The Committee meeting will be followed by a Conference on Rainbow Families in Europe on 12 September, further reinforcing the commitment to equality, diversity, and the protection of family rights across Europe.