Inclusiveness, youth and people with disabilities are among the priorities for the Chamber of Commerce because they are fundamental to economic development, the sustainability of the economy as well as raising the quality of life of people with disabilities. the whole nation and not just those three particular areas.
For the Chamber of Commerce these are unforgettable priorities. This was stated by the President of the Chamber of Commerce Architect David Xuereb at the end of a visit made by a delegation of the Chamber to the Minister for Inclusion and Quality of Life Julia Farrugia Portelli.
Minister Farrugia Portelli said that, “We believe that a very important part in the process of inclusion is the knowledge that one creates not only around society but in the workplace. We believe that the Chamber of Commerce is a very important partner that after all shares our same values, foundations that shape the Chamber of Commerce that are very much based on these principles along with sustainability. The way we look at our youth in the community will make all the difference that the country really needs. ”
Among the topics discussed during the meeting was the Agenda for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015, an agenda that makes a very strong promise to people with disabilities. It includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals which are based on the principle of “no one is left behind” while emphasizing a holistic attitude towards sustainable development for all. The 17 goals on the agenda explicitly include disability and people with disabilities 11 times. These goals are very relevant to ensure the inclusion and development of people with disabilities.
During the meeting, Minister Farrugia Portelli discussed with the delegation from the Chamber of Commerce the mutual alignment and thematic engagement in the implementation of various goals listed in the 2015-2030 Agenda of the United Nations. Thematic engagement helps investors proactively address environmental, social and governance issues within their companies and firms. She emphasized the government’s determination to uphold the principle that no one should be left behind, a principle that in itself reflects inclusion and quality of life. A principle that the government believes in and is so committed to that for the first time it has risen to a specific ministerial level.
During the meeting with Minister Farrugia Portelli the President of the Chamber of Commerce was accompanied by Diana Miceli, Policy Development Manager, while Minister Farrugia was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Matthew Vella and the Head of -Secretariat Reuben Sciberras.
