A plenary meeting was organised by the Association of Local Councils and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government as local councils celebrate their 30th anniversary this year.

The meeting was attended by regional council presidents, mayors, councillors, executive secretaries, local and regional council employees, and other local government partners.

One of the topics discussed at the meeting was the 30th anniversary since the establishment of local councils in Malta and Gozo, where the challenges and opportunities in the field of local government were deliberated.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli said that the National Strategic Vision for Local Government, launched last May, was designed to address the current challenges while continuously improving the quality of life for residents in the local government sector.

"Meetings like these remain crucial because continuous dialogue among all stakeholders helps local government adapt to current needs. In this way, we can achieve high levels of good governance and provide better services to citizens and their respective localities," Zerafa Civelli said.

Participants had the opportunity to participate in workshops of their choice.

A total of five workshops were held, covering five discussion topics: Local Government - Targeted Work to Improve Residents' Quality of Life; Human Resources and Adequate Financing Plan for Local Government; Enhancement of Administrative and Electoral Roles; Better Local Governance for More Effective Results and Strengthening the Role of Elected Members; and the Role of the Association of Local Councils.

President of the Association of Local Councils Mario Fava said that the meeting was aimed to help mayors, councillors, and employees of local councils better understand how, through their roles, they can always be closer to residents.

"The Association of Local Councils is committed to continuing to serve local and regional councils to ensure that together we make a positive difference in the quality of life for residents," Fava said.

The conference was also attended by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Joyce Dimech as well as the director-general and directors of local government.