Prime Minister Robert Abela has called for greater international cooperation and a rebuilding of trust as he addressed world leaders at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.Speaking under this year’s theme, Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation, Abela argued that an erosion of trust in governments, institutions, businesses and even between individuals has become one of the greatest challenges facing societies.“Now, more than ever, is a moment for more co-operation, not less; more dialogue, not less; more trust, not less,” Abela told the assembly.The Prime Minister used his address to tackle several major international issues, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, climate change and reform of the United Nations.On Ukraine, Abela reiterated Malta’s condemnation of the Russian invasion and said any “just and lasting peace” must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders. He called for a full and unconditional ceasefire and Ukraine’s full participation in subsequent peace negotiations.Turning to Gaza, Abela backed calls for safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access, while reiterating support for a negotiated two-state solution. He also said there could be no question of the forced displacement of Palestinians and called for settlement expansion and violent settler attacks in the West Bank to stop. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)Artificial intelligence also featured prominently in the speech, with Abela describing its speed and power as “mind-blowing” and arguing that governments do not currently have all the answers to the challenges it presents. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)He called for international rules around AI that reflect international law and backed greater global digital cooperation. Abela also highlighted cyberattacks, disinformation and attacks on underwater cables as threats that are particularly significant for an island nation such as Malta.Climate change was another major focus, with Abela describing it as one of the greatest threats facing the world, particularly island nations, and pointing towards recent extreme weather across Europe.Abela concluded his address with a call for countries to rebuild trust despite their differences.“Let us dare to trust,” he told world leaders, arguing that even those with opposing views must become part of finding solutions to global challenges.•