“Young people shall be at the heart of the decision-making table” – Prime Minister Robert Abela
As from today, the Cabinet Office started to receive applications from young persons aged between 16 and 35 years, to form part of the Youth Advisory Forum. The Forum was established to serve as a structure where the Government can continuously consult with youths on laws, strategies and plans of national importance.
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the setting up of the forum a few weeks ago during a Cabinet meeting with youths held at MCAST campus in Paola. During the meeting, the Prime Minister stated that this meeting will not be a one-time occasion as the Government will keep a regular dialogue with youths. In a video message, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that young people shall be at the heart of the decision-making table. “We are taking this initiative, a first in our country, because we believe in direct involvement of young people in the country’s administration”, the Prime Minister said.
The Forum will be composed of nine young people chosen by a selection board composed by public officials and a representative of the National Youth Council (KNŻ). The appointed members of the Youth Advisory Forum can express their views in regular meetings with the Prime Minister, who will be chairing the meeting. KNŻ will express its own positions and of its member organisations in the forum meetings through a member nominated by the council.
One can serve as a Forum member for an 18-month period with the opportunity to serve only for another term. Young people interested to serve on the Youth Advisory Forum can apply online through www.primeminister.gov.mt.
