CAUX, 8 July 2025 – Malta’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, addressed the opening of the Caux Democracy Forum, highlighting the country’s firm commitment to defending democracy, human rights, and the rule of law amidst growing global challenges.
Speaking in Caux, Switzerland, Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger joined an international gathering of policymakers, civil society leaders, and academics to discuss the pressing threats facing democratic institutions and values worldwide. Representing Malta’s Presidency of the Council of Europe, she reiterated Malta’s dedication to promoting democratic resilience and safeguarding fundamental rights in an increasingly unstable global context.
Held from 8 to 12 July 2025 at the Caux Palace in Switzerland, the event brought together civil society, grassroots activists, government officials, and scholars seeking to revitalise democracy towards inclusive and peaceful societies across Europe and the world.
In her address, the Ambassador underscored the alarming trends of democratic backsliding, noting that “democracy is not vanishing overnight, but is hollowing out slowly and discreetly — by disinformation, division and disengagement.” She pointed to the rise of manipulated digital spaces and the erosion of public trust as key challenges threatening democratic systems across the world.
Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger highlighted the indispensable role of the Council of Europe in countering these threats. She described it as “Europe’s conscience,” referencing its historic role in establishing the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights — the most advanced human rights protection system globally. She further noted the Council’s principled actions, including the recent establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, which Malta proudly presided during its chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers.
Building on its recent leadership roles within the United Nations Security Council and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Malta’s Presidency of the Council of Europe places democratic renewal at the heart of its agenda. Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger presented Malta’s priorities, including protecting children from sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, promoting responsible digital citizenship, combating all forms of violence and discrimination particularly against women and girls, empowering youth participation in democratic processes, and maintaining support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and peace efforts.
She welcomed the Council’s New Democratic Pact for Europe, an initiative launched by Secretary General, Mr Alain Berset, stating that Malta “wholeheartedly supports and actively contributes” to this vision, recognising the urgent need for democratic evolution.
Concluding her address, Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger called for collective responsibility and action, warning that complacency risks the quiet collapse of democracy. “We must not only dream of change, but embody it fully and fearlessly,” she affirmed.
Malta’s engagement at the Caux Democracy Forum forms part of its broader commitment to uphold democracy and human rights, key priorities of its Presidency of the Council of Europe, which continues to promote principled leadership and multilateral cooperation in response to global challenges.
