During the 9th meeting of the MCESD for 2023, the social partners together with the Regional Committee of Gozo, and a number of organizations from Gozo, had the opportunity to discuss a number of crucial topics for the future of this the island.
Present at the meeting were the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Andy Ellul, the Minister for Gozo, Clint Camilleri and the Minister for Public Works and Planning, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.
Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul stressed that the Government’s commitment remains that of listening to what the social partners and experts have to say, on various themes that are crucial for our country to remain ‘ competitive, while everyone benefits from the wealth that is being created. The discussion focused on crucial issues for the future of Gozo, the transformation of Gozo and on the importance of protecting the unique attraction of this island. During the meeting a plan was presented formulated by various entities that reached a consensus on key issues in the island of Gozo.
The plan, with the support of interested parties representing various aspects of Gozitan society, offers direction to address the challenges facing the natural and built environments in Gozo. A presentation was also given by the organization ‘For Gozo’, a coalition made up of three environmental NGOs – Din l’Art Ąlwa Gozo, Wirt Gozo, and Gozo.
Minister Clint Camilleri stated that this year a plan of proposals will be presented which will also be discussed with the unions and those involved in the construction and property sector. He went on to say that, “the Ministry welcomes the initiatives and proposals and is open to discussion because it believes in active participation in order to continue to create balance and sustainable development on the island of Gozdija.”
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi showed his satisfaction for the participation of various Gozitan organizations and for proposals that were presented. “The planning in Gozo must be discussed in a structured way in order to carry out a collective economic study that leads to wise decisions whose fruits we will see in the coming years,” repeated Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi. He concluded by saying that this meeting will serve as a good start for a broad discussion on a sustainable development strategy that will meet the aspirations of the island of Gozitan.
In this meeting, the Chamber of Commerce in Gozo and the Tourism Association in Gozo represented industry and commerce, as well as the tourism sector in Gozo. While the 14 Local Councils of Gozo were represented by the Regional Council of Gozo. During the meeting, the social partners, both unions and employers, together with the Regional Committee of Gozo, the Gozitan organizations present and the Government had the opportunity to provide valuable knowledge on the subjects that are being discussed for meaningful dialogue and the fostering of further collaboration.
