On 19 September 2026, the Malta branch of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF-Malta) was invited to an interfaith dialogue that was held at the Gzira Local Council Hall. The event was organised in collaboration with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta and the Gzira Local Council. UPF-Malta was represented by the Secretary-General, Dr. Bryan Corlett. Also attending were local representatives of UPF’s affiliated partners - the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP). The moderator was Mr. Musawar Ahmad, M.Sc (SZABIST), Senior Lecturer at the Malta Junior College.
Faith, Peace and Care for the Planet
The discussion revolved around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) programme and how communities of different faiths, social organisations, and local councils can help educate those in their local areas and the public in general about their environmental and social duties and responsibilities.
The Mayor of Gzira, Mr. Neville Chetcuti, opened the event by welcoming everyone to his multicultural town. In his speech he highlighted the council’s work in protecting and improving the local environment as well as strengthening community bonds.
Mr. Faisal Mohammed Zakari, a Senior Research Analyst on Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), gave a presentation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). He also provided some realistic options on how these goals could be achieved.
Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, and the host of the gathering, welcomed those present and encouraged everyone to build relationships beyond our own faith groups.
Father Mark Ciantar, OFM, spoke about "Inner Development Goals", building character and good families.
Dr. Bryan Corlett, representing UPF-Malta, mentioned the separation between God and Man which has led society down the wrong road, driven by selfishness and not love.
The event concluded with participants agreeing to work together in order to achieve the following goals within their community:
- Raising awareness
- Promoting sustainable mobility
- Caring for the environment
- Reaching out to those who may be isolated
- Supporting people experiencing hardship, including the homeless
- Making public spaces safer and more welcoming
- Building bridges across communities
The function was successful and it helped bring together people from different faiths, backgrounds and organisations. All present received the message that, irrespective of our faith and culture, we can learn from one another. That faith, cooperation and shared human values can inspire positive action and results can be achieved through dialogue. It was a warm gathering of people wanting to make a difference in their communities, planting trees and planting Love.