The search for Malta’s outstanding young people has begun. As nominations for the JCI Malta Awards 2014 open, members and non-members of JCI Malta are hoping to prove that Malta’s young outstanding people will be among the world’s top honorees.

“The competition sponsored by HSBC & KPMG is open to all residents of Malta between the ages of 18 and 40”, explained Gordon Borg, 2014 President of JCI Malta.  “The nomination process is simple, and anyone can nominate an outstanding person.”

JCI Malta is part of a worldwide community of young active citizens aged 18-40 who are dedicated to creating the positive change they wish to see in themselves and the world. There are nearly 200,000 members active in 115 countries across the globe.

The entry process involves a prospective nominee to log onto our website www.jci.org.mt, and click on the “Awards section”, from there one can complete the simple online nomination form.  From these entries a panel of experts drawn from within the local economic and entrepreneurial community will select semi-finalists from each category to move forward into the 2014 JCI Malta Awards Competition final which will be held in October.  The most outstanding person from these awards will then be competing on an international level for the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons award in 2015, giving the winner a chance to compete for an all-expenses paid round trip to receive the award in the JCI World Congress which will be held in Japan.

“By recognizing these people JCI Malta encourages them to seek excellence and serve others, this is just one of the ways which JCI Malta contributes to preparing better leaders who in turn will create better societies.” continued Gordon Borg

Speaking during the launch of these awards, Helena Dalli Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties commended the contribution that organisations like JCI Malta are giving to society in respect of encouraging youth to improve at different levels and in different areas.

“It is positive that as an NGO, JCI Malta is striving to recognize young individuals to excel in their respective fields, whilst also encouraging them to participate and explore this opportunity”added Dr Dalli.

JCI Malta aims to be recognized as the organization that is the forum for the development of bold and stimulating leaders within our community.  We aspire to provide our members with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, social responsibility, fellowship and entrepreneurship for the advancement of the individual and the community in general.

The JCI Malta Awards categories include: business and entrepreneurial achievements; political, legal, governmental achievements; environmental or societal achievements; human rights achievements; humanitarian achievements; scientific/technological achievements; medical innovation achievements.  There will also be an award specifically for Non Profit Organisations, titled “most impactful project by an NGO”, with this award we are hoping to motivate NGO’s across Malta & Gozo to come forward and be recognized for the impactful contribution they have achieved within our society.

“We want our country to be well-represented at this inspirational international program that honors young people who excel in their field.  We know our exceptional youth can act as role models for other younger people around the world” concluded Gordon Borg