Factsheet for measure
MT-2024-31/3603
– measures in Malta
Malta's sustainable development strategy for 2050
L-Istrateġija ta’ Malta għall-Iżvilupp Sostenibbli għall-2050
Background information
Malta's Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 was adopted in September 2018. This vision was translated into a strategic policy by means of 'Malta's Sustainable Development Strategy for 2050' which was developed during 2022 and 2023 by means of consultations with all Government Ministries and their respective Sustainable Development Focal Points as well as private sector representatives and other NGOs. This process led to the strategy document being published in August 2024.
Content of measure
The strategic plan has five goals. The first goal is to transition towards a climate-neutral green and blue economy. The second goal is the preservation of sustainable urban development and cultural heritage. Strategic goal three is ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all. Goal four is accelerating digital transformation, smart mobility and connectivity. Goal five is achieving social fairness and prosperity for all.
Each of these goals is broken down into several other objectives. The first goal related to the green and blue economy includes five objectives: towards a resilient and climate-neutral economy; sustainable consumption and production patterns which safeguard environmental and socio-economic wellbeing; protecting, conserving and enhancing natural capital resources to improve ecological resilience and sustainability; developing sustainable food systems to achieve food security and ensure environmental and socio-economic welfare; investing in sustainable finance for a greener and climate neutral economy.
In terms of the second goal which regards urban development and cultural heritage, three goals are listed: placing cultural and heritage at the heart of the development of our local communities; sustainable urban planning and development of liveable and resilient towns and villages; sustainable demographic development for the creation of resilient communities.
The third strategic goal has to do with health and wellbeing and contains two objectives: fostering good health for all by strengthening our public health system; and promoting good nutrition and active lifestyles for a healthy society.
Goal four deals with digital transformation and includes three objectives: towards a digitally empowered economy and society; building sustainable communities through smart mobility and connectivity; and investing in research and innovation for sustainable growth.
The final goal deals with social fairness and prosperity and includes five objectives: empowering individuals and communities through policy instruments and measures for the benefit of all; ensuring accessible products, services and environments which address the needs of a diverse and changing population; building safer communities and ensuring timely and effective justice system; achieving high-quality education responsive to labour market needs; equal opportunities and access to fair, safe and secure working environments.
Targets and indicators for each of these goals have been developed. Each of these goals will be translated into concrete actions in the next phase of the strategy, which will be Malta's Sustainable Development Action Plan for 2030.
Use of measure
No information
Target groups
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Workers
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Businesses
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Citizens
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Applies to all workers
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Applies to all businesses
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Applies to all citizens
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Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
Trade unions
Employers' organisations
Other social actors (e.g. NGOs)
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No special funding required
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Consulted
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Consulted
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Form
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Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies
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Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Unknown
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Main level of involvement: Unknown
Involvement
The sustainable development document appears to have developed slowly and involved social partners at various points of its development. Whilst a vision document was published in 2018, during 2022 and 2023 a strategic policy was developed via consultation with social partners, NGOs and government ministries. The strategic policy was published in 2023, presented at the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), and social partners were again provided with the opportunity to send feedback by February 2023. A final document which also included a target plan was published in 2024.
Views and reactions
News reports suggested that several employer and trade unions alike were positive about the plan.
The Malta Chamber provided detailed feedback about the plan as well as providing suggestions for its implementation. The Malta Chamber conducted its own consultation with industries and businesses from various sectors from its three economic groups, 17 Business Sections, its 11 Thematic Committees and Young Chamber Network. Many of the Chamber's views about the strategic policy related to the future implementation of the strategy highlighting the need for binding policies, good governance, establishing national progress and development indicators for both the economy and environment, and effective public stakeholder participation.
The UHM Voice of the Workers provided some criticism regarding the perceived skirting of the issue regarding population growth, stating that current unsustainable population growth was not tackled, whilst at the same time noting that the policy stated that employers would be supported in bringing foreign workers to Malta. The union argued that this would not aid sustainability.
Sources
