“I am proud of you as you are making a practical contribution towards the sustainable future of our planet” – President Coleiro Preca
President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca addressed the National Conference on the Sustainable Development Goals, organised by the National Youth Council at San Anton Palace.
The President said that the United Nations Agenda 2030 and its 17 SDGs have been an important focus throughout her presidency, stating that since their adoption she has, “promoted, encouraged and advocated for the implementation of such an important global framework in the best interest of our human family both in Malta and abroad.”
President Coleiro Preca commended the National Youth Council (KNZ) for its commitment to making Agenda 2030 more visible among the young people of the Maltese Islands – a commitment which is also shown through the organisation of the national conference.
“It is so important to promote and share the essential message of social justice and personal responsibility, which is very much at the heart of the SDGs,” the President said whilst reiterating her believe that “if we truly want to live in a world which lives up to the values of social justice, we need to implement the mandate of Agenda 2030.”
President Coleiro Preca said that creating safe spaces for young people, such as this conference, will help to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals respond to “your priorities and aspirations,” adding that this is the reason why the UN calls the young people of the world our “critical agents of change.”
The President stated that the active participation of young people, to implement the SDGs, must also be a national priority – the intention of which is already expressed, as the empowerment of the young people in our islands, to be contributors to the holistic wellbeing and inclusive prosperity of our country is at the heart of the National Youth Policy towards 2020.
The President said that together “we can achieve social justice and equality in our society.”
In light of the fact that stories of inequality flood the media every day – as we are confronted by the experiences of people who are facing discrimination; stories of extreme poverty; and global risks of violent conflict and unrest – President Coleiro Preca called upon those present, to respond to such facts with a strong spirit of solidarity.
She said that solidarity is at the heart of Agenda 2030 and its 17 SDGs. Agenda 2030 offers a global social solidarity approach, “which begins with us, as individuals, and grows to include our families, our communities, our Maltese society, our Mediterranean region, and ultimately, our entire world.”
On concluding, the President
“If we truly want to live in a world which lives up to the values of social justice, we need to implement the mandate of Agenda 2030
augured that the youths present will continue to be today’s activists of positive change, by promoting a strong message of equality and inclusion.
“In this way, I am certain that you will become the effective leaders of tomorrow, for the benefit of our country, and our world,” President Coleiro Preca stated.