Valletta hosted groundbreaking discussions on global maritime challenges

The Malta Model United Nations Society marked a significant milestone with its 10th anniversary conference from August 22-24, 2025, in Valletta. Under the theme “Guardians of the Seas: Ensuring Peace, Security, and Prosperity in Maritime Regions,” delegates from around the world gathered to tackle pressing challenges facing maritime and coastal regions.

Led by the Society’s Secretaries-General, Ms. Sofia Oliveira and Ms. Sophia Pizano Sánchez, this year’s conference addressed issues ranging from Arctic governance and EU maritime security to Mediterranean migration and Red Sea humanitarian crises.

Major Committee Outcomes

Arctic Council produced the comprehensive Valletta Declaration 2025, proposing an Advisory Council of Indigenous Elders to oversee resource extraction projects and recommending a 10-year Arctic strategy. The declaration emphasised sustainable development while protecting Indigenous rights and outlined cooperation frameworks for China’s Polar Silk Road initiative.

Council of the European Union established the Maritime Information and Coordination Agency (MICA) as a central database for maritime security information. The Council authorised three naval operations: EUNOMS targeting Mediterranean drug trafficking, EUNOBS addressing Baltic Sea shadow fleets, and EUNONS protecting North Sea infrastructure. They also expanded Article 42(7) of the TEU to include cyberattacks as grounds for mutual defence.

DISEC created two complementary frameworks establishing a Zone of Peace and Cooperation in the Mediterranean. The resolutions established a Multilateral Ministerial Council for regional cooperation, voluntary knowledge-sharing databases for weapons trafficking monitoring, and a Mediterranean Anti-Trafficking Alliance with joint maritime patrols.

UNHCR addressed Red Sea displacement through the Red Sea Climate Change Plan, featuring early warning systems and a Guaranteed Water Programme. The committee established the Red Sea Roundtable and created the Regional Alliance of Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, Egypt, and Yemen (RADSSEY), which commits to humanitarian Blue Corridors and streamlined refugee identification processes.

Press Corps provided comprehensive coverage throughout the three-day conference, documenting the diplomatic negotiations and outcomes.

Cultural Exchange and Recognition

Beyond formal sessions, the conference featured social events including karaoke night, a beach party, and the elegant “Midnight Pearl” gala. Participants received certificates, Youthpass accreditation under the Erasmus+ programme, and the prestigious Julian Spiteri Award for Excellence.

Growing Impact

Since its founding in 2013, MaltMUN has grown to over 150 members with alumni now in prominent global positions. The conference’s success was supported by key Maltese institutions, including the European Union Programmes Agency, the Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, and the National Development and Social Fund.

With oceans facing growing challenges from climate change, security issues, and migration, the conference’s “Guardians of the Seas” theme addressed urgent global concerns and created practical solutions for international cooperation.