At the very heart of the vision 'Il Quddiem b'Dinjità (Forward with Dignity) lies the principle of solidarity: between the strong and the weak, between those with wealth and those on the brink of poverty, between the fortunate and the disadvantaged. This is the essence of a dream I conceived two years ago. A dream born out of encounters with people burdened by hardship, and later carried to professionals I trust, with whom we built a way forward.

We are filled with enthusiasm as, on the 9th and 10th of October, the project 'Il Quddiem b'Dinjità will be launched. I say "we" because behind this anthology stands not just myself, but a wide circle of thinkers, politicians, my team, and the Nationalist Party, who together spent two years shaping a vision based on solidarity.

As an Opposition Member of Parliament, I gave my utmost to address today's challenges, especially in social policy which affects everyone. This is not simply a book to celebrate, but the presentation of a vision - a vision of Malta that looks forward, without leaving anyone behind. This book was not born at a desk but from lived experiences: from the homes I visited, the streets I walked, the cries of the poor and marginalized, and the Food Bank I established to give hope to those who lost everything. I spoke with men and women struggling daily to support their families, with youth building their future, with people invisible in their solitude. I listened so closely that I felt their pain speak to me.

From these encounters grew my deep conviction: social policy must begin with listening, understanding, and empathy. With responsibility and clear vision, I brought together 35 professionals from various fields - competent experts who shared their knowledge to help shape this project. Their contribution, alongside others, is living proof that our country is rich in generous hearts, competence, and goodwill. Together, we allowed the people's voice to guide us. Forward with Dignity is therefore the fruit of a collective mission: that every person in Malta and Gozo may live a life with dignity.

In this project, the human being remains at the centre of politics - not as statistics, not as numbers, but as people, human beings who represent a world within themselves. Many today are like someone trapped in a bowl of water - struggling not to drown, yet unable to find a solid base to stand on.

Forward with Dignity is meant to be a moral compass rooted in values that respect life, guiding us to reach everyone in need, with the belief that as a society, we can do more, and we can do better. Our goal is not simple, but it is undeniably our duty.

Through this anthology, we want every political decision to consider social justice. Every citizen should have the chance to live with dignity - through fair employment, affordable housing, and opportunities that see people not as burdens but as partners in the common good.

This is an invitation to reflection, not only for those drafting political programmes or manifestos, but for all who care for the well-being of society. If we want growth that truly benefits everyone, we must begin with the principles of solidarity, justice, and respect for each person. Together with my colleagues, we placed the human being above ideology or personal opinion. Irrelevant whether one shares my politics, irrelevant whether one approves of me - dignity comes before dogma.

We have provided pages to reflect upon, some with warnings. We emphasized needed reforms and leadership that creates positive change in people's lives. What we propose is possible - all it requires is political will. On our small island much good has already been achieved, but our limitations also hold opportunities for reform. Once again, what is needed is genuine political will to face today's social challenges. Many believe, as we do, that we can move forward with dignity - by making these writings our own and turning them into part of the transformation our country requires.

Another important aim of this project is to create a social support system that is flexible and responsive to the complex needs of vulnerable individuals and families. Above all, we must recognize and support NGOs who assist families, invest in children affected by trauma, and equip professionals with skills to offer timely, personalized intervention. What we will present includes fair financial assistance mechanisms, strengthened community-based services, and preventive models that can build a more just and effective welfare system for all - especially those still struggling to rise from neglect.

This is an exciting project, not for the faint-hearted. It is a project where our hearts beat together, a common project for all who wish our nation well.

Because people of goodwill want economic growth to be felt by everyone.

This shared goal unites us - an adventure that all should embrace, for anyone who sees a human being abandoned in a bowl of water must recognize: that person represents a whole world.

Ivan Bartolo is a Member of Parliament, a Member of the Social Affairs Committee, and the Opposition Spokesperson for Social and Affordable Accommodation,  Pensions, and the fight against Poverty