Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli met the members of the Civil Society Committee of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD).

The committee is made up of elected representatives of NGOs, who not only represent their nominating organisations but the full sector from which they were elected.  The Civil Society Committee is represented on the MCESD.

Dr Dalli was presented with a report compiled by these organisations with proposals on how best to address the challenges faced by each different sector.  The report covers different areas which are relevant to the economic and social development of society.  These include consumer affairs; health and the elderly; gender equality; youth and students; sports; agriculture, rural affairs and fisheries; environmental protection and animal welfare; culture, arts and national heritage; persons with disability; education; local councils; and issues related to different professions.

Benjamin Rizzo, chairperson of the Civil Society Committee, said it is the first time that voluntary organisations have prepared a joint report on matters of national interest.