Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector Julia Farrugia has launched the National Strategy for the Voluntary Sector for the years 2025 to 2030, setting out a strategic plan for the sector, a government statement said.

The strategy was prepared by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), following a public consultation earlier this year.

Its aim is to guide the stakeholders involved with the objective of strengthening the voluntary sector in Malta and Gozo over the next five years.

The strategy highlights the resources that volunteers and organisations need, such as human, physical, and financial resources, while fostering participation, volunteer engagement, and collaboration.

The National Strategy for Volunteering 2025-2030 is based on the objectives achieved by the first Strategy, as well as the vision for the future, it said.

It said that this Strategy outlines the values agreed upon between the parties, which are: appreciation of the diverse nature of volunteering; commitment to inclusivity; trust and integrity; collaboration; quality service; and recognition.

The four main areas of the Strategic Plan focus on Strengthening the Human Resources of organisations; Collaboration with Stakeholders; Civic Participation; and the Voice and Visibility of the Sector, the statement said.

The strategy also particularly addresses the promotion of volunteering among young people and the elderly.

The statement said that these areas are in line with the direction being taken by the European Commission, and that the strategy also focuses on recognition and support for the provision of the necessary resources, so that the Voluntary Sector can be a participant and key contributor within communities.

During the launch, held at the San Leonardu Musical Society in Kirkop, Farrugia explained that this strategy is not simply a document but a clear commitment to give volunteers the position they deserve as essential partners in social change.

"With this plan we are sending a strong message that volunteering in Malta and Gozo should be a national priority, with more investment, more visibility and more respect for the work of volunteers. This is a political and social path that leads to a more just, more inclusive country that listens to every community within it," Farrugia said.

Chairperson of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector Gertrude Buttigieg said that this strategy will strengthen collaboration among voluntary organisations, while giving volunteering a stronger voice and greater visibility, both in society and within the national framework.

Chief Executive of the MCVS Mauro Pace Parascandalo said that this exercise should continue to strengthen the sector, where volunteers are the backbone on which everything is built.

"The implementation of this strategy involves not only the Council and the Ministry, but also the organisations, communities and individuals who continue to choose paths of skills development, leadership in their respective fields, and commitment to volunteering. The future we are envisioning begins with the actions we take every day, and this strategy helps ensure that ultimately, everyone is pulling the same rope," he said.

The full document is available on the MCVS website maltacvs.org.