The Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Andy Ellul, has officially launched the Young Shapers Forum, a new initiative aimed at giving children aged between 11 and 15 a structured platform within the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) to put forward their ideas and opinions on a range of national issues.
During the launch of the Young Shapers Forum, participating students had the opportunity to get to know one another and to learn about the role and functioning of the MCESD. They were also encouraged to share their views on what they would like to see done differently in the country.
Parliamentary Secretary Ellul explained that the forum will provide a structured and inclusive platform for children to express their views not only on issues affecting the present, but also on matters shaping Malta's future.
The Young Shapers Forum has been established under the MCESD Act and will be administered by the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, in collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner for Children. Through this initiative, participating students will represent and present the views of other students within their age group.
MCESD Chairperson Maria Micallef highlighted the importance of involving younger generations in national discussions, stressing that the Young Shapers Forum will strengthen inclusivity within social dialogue.
"This is an instrumental step for the MCESD as a key platform where the country's main socio-economic issues are discussed. Through this initiative, we are giving students the opportunity to be involved in discussions and to put forward their recommendations," Micallef said.
Commissioner for Children Antoinette Vassallo also underlined the importance of children's right to active participation and to have a voice in shaping the country they live in. She explained that the forum will provide a safe space where children can express their views, learn to listen to one another and understand the value of social dialogue.
Concluding the event, Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul described the initiative as a unique opportunity for children to learn how social dialogue operates in practice, through the joint work of the Office of the Commissioner for Children and the MCESD.