Students in Malta are preparing to walk out in protest next Friday 20th November, joining an international student strike calling for political, social and environmental change.The demonstration, organised locally by student collective Youth Strike Malta, will take place at 12pm at the University of Malta quadrangle in Msida, alongside similar mobilisations by students around the world.The protest will address both international issues and concerns affecting students and communities in Malta.One of the main issues being raised is the government’s recently proposed budget, which the collective argues will disproportionately affect third-country nationals and place additional financial pressure on foreign students already struggling with the rising cost of living.The group also plans to highlight corruption, overdevelopment and overtourism, particularly their impact on Malta’s environment.Other concerns include the growing use of artificial intelligence at the University of Malta, the university’s mounting debts and the quality of education being provided to students.The organisers also intend to raise questions about the use of Maltese maritime spaces and Maltese-flagged vessels in transporting resources to Israel.On an international level, the strike follows a manifesto calling for greater investment in public services, welfare and young people rather than military spending.The manifesto also opposes conscription, calls for climate justice and demands an end to what organisers describe as genocide, colonialism, apartheid and occupation.It further calls for governments to cut ties with states such as Israel and for action against authoritarianism, racism and far-right ideologies.Youth Strike Malta said the demonstration is intended to bring together local and international concerns while giving young people a platform to make their voices heard.“Through this strike, we hope to amplify both local and international voices, demonstrating solidarity with students across the world who are mobilising around shared struggles and demands,” the collective said.The organisers, represented by Nic Ellul and Johanka Nefe, have called for public attention to the issues being raised and emphasised students’ right to peaceful protest.The demonstration is scheduled for Friday, 20th November, at noon on the University of Malta’s Msida campus.Will you be attending?•