The Malta Paralympic Committee has participated in the International Paralympic Committee General Assembly 2025, held in Seoul, South Korea, from 24 to 27 September. The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body within the IPC, bringing together more than 190 member countries and international sport organisations to vote on strategic matters shaping the future of the global Paralympic movement and to elect the IPC Governing Board.
Andrew Parsons was re-elected IPC President for a third consecutive and final term. Leila Marques PLY and John Petersson PLY were elected as Vice Presidents. Malta is also represented on the IPC Governing Board through Maltese two-time Paralympian Vladyslava Kravchenko PLY, who was elected by Paralympians competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games to serve as chairperson of the IPC Athletes Council. The new IPC Board will serve until the General Assembly that will take place after the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
The General Assembly was preceded by the IPC Para Sport Conference, during which the IPC launched its new Impact Strategy. Setting out how the organisation will focus its efforts on its strategic goal of creating an inclusive world, the IPC underlined that Para sport is a powerful driver of societal change and disability inclusion. Through the platform of the Paralympic Games and Para sport development programmes, IPC activities aim to challenge stigma, empower individuals, and build inclusive communities.
Malta Paralympic Committee was represented by its Secretary General, Dr Julian Bajada. Reflecting on the outcomes, Dr Bajada said Malta is entering an important phase for the global Paralympic movement. He noted that the full value and potential of Para sport has not yet been realised and that the next four years can be crucial in elevating the movement and championing fundamental human rights to participate meaningfully in all spheres of life, whether on or off the field of play. He added that through its participation, Malta reaffirmed its commitment to building a society in which inclusion meets excellence and to enhancing opportunities for persons with disabilities.
