Through a training program called “Train the Trainer” elected and administrative members of local governments received training to help them better fulfil their responsibilities.
This training program, organised by the Local Government Division, is part of a series of activities and initiatives organized on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Local Councils in Malta and Gozo.
The training program featured three prominent speakers specializing in governance and public policy. They were Lia Magnaguagno from the Council of Europe’s Competence Centre, Kurt Borg, and Luke Joseph Buhagiar, both lecturers from the Public Policy Department at the University of Malta.
Journalist and historian Charles Xuereb also spoke, explaining the early structures of Local Government and governance in Malta over the years.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli said that education and training are necessary tools to adapt and address the present challenges and needs in the best possible way.
She also said that holistic training on good governance for elected and administrative members of local councils is one of the goals of the National Strategic Vision for Local Government.
“Through this training, we have already started implementing what we collectively developed a few weeks ago, the National Strategic Vision for Local Government,” Zerafa Civelli said.
She also expressed her appreciation for the mayors, executive secretaries, and present colleagues who attended this training program and ensured success in implementing the information gained from the training.
Permanent Secretary for the local government Ministry Joyce Dimech said that integrity, ethics, good governance, and common good are fundamental pillars for good administration, especially in public administration where public funds and services are involved.
Director General of the Local Government Division Natalino Attard said that this training program marks the beginning of a series of training sessions that will be provided by the Local Government Division to executive secretaries, employees, and members of local and regional councils, coordinated together with the Institute for the Public Services, in collaboration with both the University of Malta and MCAST.