One of the things that you quickly learn from the moment you are entrusted with an executive role, be that on a local or national level, is that access to finance is essential.  Not all reforms require financing but almost all that matter do.

The Ministry for Equality, Research and Innovation next year will benefit from a 40% increase in the budgetary allocation.  Last year the financial votes relative to the portfolio of equality and that of innovation were of course distributed in different Ministries.  If one had to consolidate what was allocated last year and compare it to what has been allocated to the Ministry for 2022, one will see the percentage increase which I have just mentioned.

Through this budgetary allocation, we will be able to move forward 22 different projects throughout the year: an average of almost 2 projects per month. I would like to mention some of them.

Addressing Gender-Based and Domestic Violence

In 2022, the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence will launch a National Awareness Campaign to address gender-based violence and domestic violence in Maltese society and raise awareness about the harm caused by the objectification and sexualization of women. The main objectives are to provide better targeted, more efficient services of support for people experiencing this type of violence.

This National Awareness Campaign will be using social media, advertisements on local media including the production of informative videos / sound clips that will be broadcast on TV and radio programs and the organization of seminars to emphasize the importance of talking about the subject and extend the current service to the victims of this type of violence.

In 2022, further funds are being allocated for the extension of a 2021 measure involving a research project on the prevalence of children experiencing domestic violence and other child abuse, and the effects it might have on them.

Prioritizing Equality

In 2022, the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) will continue its work including the implementation of the Empowerment for Diversity (E4D) project. This will include research on discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people, workshops in collaboration with ARC, a report on the results of the workshops, an external evaluation of the final report and presentation of the activities and results of the project at a final conference, with an allocation of €101,000 in funds.

In addition, we will keep moving forward with the Parliamentary process relative to the two Equality Bills which are currently in committee stage.  These Bills will provide a strong legal framework for safeguarding equality.

The Human Rights Directorate

A new LGBTIQ Community Centre will be launched, which will include facilities that can accommodate Civil Society.    From this centre services will be provided to the LGBTIQ community and I am sure that this will bring about an improvement in the lives of a lot of people.

In 2022 we will continue our fight against human trafficking, where we will be expanding on intensive research conducted in 2021 to lead to the drawing up of a National Strategy and Action Plan in this area. We will also be pursuing awareness campaigns to raise public awareness of this global challenge. This work will be done with an investment of €300,000.

We will also be implementing the National Strategy and Action Plan for Gender Equality and Integration, with an investment of €80,000. Through this Strategy we will design and implement gender-responsive policies and measures in all areas, eliminate discrimination, and ensure that everyone’s needs are equally addressed.

The reform in the legislation for the responsible use of cannabis

Undoubtedly, the most popular measure is that relating to the reform in the legislative framework regulating the responsible use of cannabis.  This reform will also see the creation of a new Authority tasked with regulating Associations which will provide cannabis to its members under defined limitations and which will keep educating the general public.

At the same time we will keep investing in measures of prevention and cure from drug abuse.

Better access to Information technology for persons with disability

The Foundation for IT Accessibility will be launching a list of new initiatives to expand its services and help meet the demand for services from vulnerable people and people with disabilities.  We believe that IT can help improve the quality of life of vulnerable people and people with disabilities and we want to prioritise work on this front.

The demand for ICT services is growing every day and the need has been felt to take FITA to the next level in order to be able to provide more personalized support more efficiently. This will mean fuller inclusion, a better quality of life and greater level of independence for those using their services.

Enhancing investment in research and Innovation

The budget for 2022 is allocating the sum of more than eleven million Euros to strengthen the various research schemes in the MCST.

FUSION Program

The FUSION program is expected to be further developed as part of the Malta Science and Technology Council's (MCST) effort to support the local research community. Funding will be increased for various FUSION programs.

Go to Market

For 2022, a new program called Go to Market will be launched. The program aims to reach the core of a high level of technology so that it can be marketed in the local as well as the international market. A special program aimed at addressing immediate national research needs is expected to reopen next year.

International agreements

In 2022, the MCST will continue to develop bilateral and multilateral relations with an increase in funding allocations.

Horizon Support Measures Scheme

Through the Horizon Support Measures scheme the MCST will facilitate the participation of Maltese researchers and entities in the exploitation of funds from this Program and encourage further participation in support of excellent proposals. Horizon Europe offers exceptional opportunities for Maltese researchers to collaborate with high-profile researchers and European and international companies. Participation in Horizon Europe also improves the research profile in Malta.

Increasing exposure to the STEM Subjects

The Esplora centre will continue to strengthen its infrastructure in order to continue to serve as a flagship of the STEM field in Malta. All this continues to guarantee a top-quality service where visitors, from the youngest to the oldest, can be nurtured in a culture of scientific learning.

Esplora will be also investing around €100,000 in new exhibits in 2022. The exhibits are related to various topics related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

I can go on and on.  Truly, this is a Government that looks towards the future, and is ready to take decisions to strengthen the foundations for a better tomorrow.

I am confident that all this work will be providing current and future generations with an innovative society that is empowered to embrace full equality - a society that moves ahead, but leaves no one behind.