Helena Dalli: Malta’s Voice at the UN, Silenced No More

In the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta, a small plaque on a building at 127 Republic Street marks a significant moment in Maltese history. It reads, “Here, Helena Dalli, Malta’s first female Minister of Foreign Affairs, began her political journey.” Today, she’s making waves at the United Nations, but her journey hasn’t been without its challenges.

From Valletta to New York

Helena Dalli’s political career spans over three decades, starting as a local councillor in Valletta. She rose through the ranks, becoming Minister of Justice, Equality, and Governance, before taking on the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion in 2019. In 2020, she was appointed as the European Union’s Special Representative for LGBTIQ Rights, a role that took her from the narrow streets of Valletta to the grand halls of the United Nations in New York.

Dalli’s appointment was a historic first for Malta, a small island nation that has punched above its weight in international affairs. Yet, her journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. In a country where politics is often a family affair, Dalli, an independent, has had to carve her own path. Her outspokenness and independence have sometimes put her at odds with the establishment, but they’ve also made her a powerful advocate for those without a voice.

Silenced No More: Dalli at the UN

At the UN, Dalli has been a vocal advocate for LGBTIQ rights. She’s pushed for the decriminalisation of homosexuality worldwide, a stance that’s put her at odds with some of the UN’s most powerful members. Yet, she’s undeterred. “I’m here to speak for those who can’t,” she told Hot Malta in an exclusive interview. “I won’t be silenced. Not by politics, not by power plays, and certainly not by fear.”

Dalli’s work at the UN has been groundbreaking. She’s led initiatives that have seen more countries sign onto the Yogyakarta Principles, a set of international human rights standards that relate to sexual orientation and gender identity. She’s also been instrumental in pushing for the inclusion of LGBTIQ rights in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Back Home: Malta’s LGBTIQ Revolution

Dalli’s work at the UN is a continuation of the LGBTIQ rights revolution that began at home in Malta. In 2016, Malta became the 15th country to legalise same-sex marriage, a move that was praised internationally. Dalli, as Minister of Justice, played a pivotal role in drafting the law. “Malta is a small country, but we’ve shown that we can lead the way on human rights,” she says. “We’ve shown that progress is possible, even in the most unlikely of places.”

Back in Valletta, the plaque on Republic Street is a reminder of how far Malta has come. It’s also a testament to Dalli’s journey, from local councillor to Malta’s voice at the UN. Her story is one of determination, independence, and a refusal to be silenced. It’s a story that’s still being written, and one that Malta watches with pride.