Minister for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, addressed the first edition of SHARE Malta, an international forum that brings together professionals from across Europe in the fields of architecture and engineering.

In his speech, the minister emphasised the ongoing reforms in Malta's construction sector, aiming towards a sector with higher standards-safer, more professional, and more sustainable.

"Over the past year, as a ministry, we worked tirelessly to bring together various stakeholders in this sector - from planning and design to construction, regulation, and market operations," explained Minister Attard, while also referring to Malta Vision 2050 and the importance of maintaining ethics, professionalism, and the public interest in all decisions taken.

Among the various reforms he spoke about:

• Mandatory licensing for contractors and builders, with over 1,300 licenses already issued and hundreds more in the approval process. This process will be accompanied by independent monitoring and regular license renewal.

• An agreement on the introduction of the first National Building and Construction Code, which will cover critical aspects such as structural safety, environmental performance, accessibility, site operations, energy use, and workplace health.

• The launch of the Property Agency which will act as a new regulator aiming to raise standards among property intermediaries, with a focus on transparency, consumer protection, and commercial ethics.

• The 'Ixtri Proprjetà Sostenibbli' scheme, which offers financial incentives to those purchasing energy-efficient properties - another step towards a greener and more resilient built environment.

The minister thanked the President of the Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers, Andre Pizzuto; the Founder of SHARE Architects, Florin Mindirigiu; the Director at the Institute of Engineering and Transport within MCAST, Dr Eng. Stephen Sammut; and Dr Jeanette Muñoz Abela, who represented the Dean of the Faculty for the Built Environment at the University of Malta.

Finally, the minister stressed that the Government's vision is clear that architecture and the built environment continue to serve the common good, creating spaces that promote the health and well-being of individuals and communities. "Malta Vision 2050, along with the legislative reforms we are implementing as a government, all testify to how deeply this Government believes in a construction sector that is sustainable and that respects both environmental and economic goals."

On his part, the President of the Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers, Andre Pizzuto, stated that it is a great honour for Malta to host this first edition of SHARE Malta - a forum that reflects not only the capability and creativity of our professionals but also the collective will to build a future that is more sustainable, responsible, and of high quality. He thanked the ministry for the ongoing support of the Chamber of Architects and his commitment to strengthening architecture's role in the country's development. "SHARE Malta 2025 is a launchpad for greater commitment towards a built environment that truly serves the common good," concluded Pizzuto.