Education Minister Clifton Grima announced Malta’s National Strategic Action Plan for Further and Higher Education during a press conference at the Maritime Museum on Friday, with the strategy being open for public consultation.

Grima said that although he and his colleagues are a product of yesterday, they need to work towards educating the young of today to put Malta in a strategic position for the future.

He spoke about the importance of Malta providing a quality education that will attract many different students.

He said that if you look at the work that this country has achieved, it is clear that the government cares and intends on making Malta an educational hub.

The chief executive officer of the National Commissioner for Further and Higher Education Dr Rose Anne Cuschieri was also present at the press conference.

She began by recognising that there are many difficult challenges which need to be overcome, however, the strategy has a clear plan highlighting what needs to be achieved.

She said that the current demographic, socio-economic situation, rapid improvement of technology, geopolitical situation and the environment must all be taken into consideration when tackling any problems.

The plan focuses on conducting consultations with all interested parties, including different institutions, post-secondaries and all stakeholders. She said that the consultation is open to as many parties as possible to get the best feedback.

She also spoke about the importance of there being synergy between all interested parties so that the outcome will address everything.

She said that moving forward, it is important for the system to be innovative and inclusive, whilst still focussing on Malta’s identity, cultural heritage and language in higher education.