/library/oar/handle/123456789/1168 2026-08-06T01:14:02Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/147009 Title: “National unity through humanity” : speech commemorating Victory Day in Malta, 2025 Authors: Bianco, Lino Abstract: 8 September is Victory Day in Malta. This commemoration is marked by a speech delivered by an individual selected by the Prime Minister of Malta. This article reproduces the speech delivered on 5 September of this year by the author. Inspired by the concept underlying the design for the memorial in remembrance for what this day stands, this speech puts forward arguments for national unity through determination, faith, civilisation and diversity. It recalls Malta’s neutral and non-aligned status, and it calls out greed. Whilst arguing for diversity rather than homogeneity, it argues against advocating for the eradication of national identity. It concludes by stating that the symbiotic relation between courage, faith and civilisation – born from the heart, soul and the mind, respectively – ensures national unity. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141206 Title: Foundations of a convent city : the genesis and early transformations of Valletta’s urban development between 1566-1576 Description: Ph.D.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/139259 Title: In the name of humanity Authors: Bianco, Lino Abstract: This article addresses primacy and synodality, two main concepts in Christian ecclesiology. It questions whether the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is a case of ethnophyletism and includes a discussion on fascism, communism and ecumenism. It concludes with a plea for reconciliation as the way forward for humanity. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/139240 Title: Open centers for irregular migrants in Malta : a case of substandard habitable shelters Authors: Borg, Samuel; Bianco, Lino Abstract: An increase in irregular migration crossing from North Africa to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea has had an impact on Malta. Open centers can handle the influx, but due to the strongly negative rhetoric around immigration in the Maltese public sphere, investment in shelters for such migrants is meager. The research question this article attempts to address is whether these centers are substandard. The methodology employed includes consulting architectural drawings and interviews with professionals and other members of non-governmental organizations working with migrants. The findings establish that the basic infrastructure and general living conditions of such centers are indeed substandard, but with minimal interventions, they can be rendered livable. The article concludes with a set of recommendations that will improve their overall design. Although the number of migrants has dropped considerably in recent times, the country should be prepared for any humanitarian crisis, be it terrestrial or occurring at sea. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z