Malta is strengthening its global leadership in sustainable development, stated Environment Minister Miriam Dalli during the Governance, Risk, Compliance and ESG Conference 2025 organised by the Malta Stock Exchange, emphasising the country’s shift from resource-intensive models toward a more circular and responsible approach.
Discussing how Malta is translating sustainability goals into tangible outcomes, the Minister pointed to the ESG Platform which is currently being enhanced to make it more user-friendly and easier for companies to register their ESG credentials. This initiative enables enterprises to voluntarily disclose their progress in areas such as carbon emissions reduction, waste management, and corporate governance diversity, paving the way for more transparent business models.
During the conference, the Minister reaffirmed that economic growth cannot come at the expense of social progress and environmental protection. The transition to more sustainable practices, she said, must involve all sectors, backed by Government initiatives such as the establishment of the Climate Action Authority, the National Policy for the Deployment of Offshore Renewables, and wide-ranging support measures for businesses investing in greener systems.
Minister Dalli highlighted the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guiding framework and Malta’s forthcoming presentation of its second Voluntary National Review on SDG implementation at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in July. Also notable was the Minister’s appointment as Chairperson of the Global Council on Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), reflecting the country’s commitment to promoting cleaner, more accessible energy worldwide.
Acknowledging the challenges – particularly for small enterprises – the Minister stressed that the government is determined to foster a supportive environment through incentives, technical assistance, and robust policy frameworks. She cited the milestone achievement of listing the country’s first multi-million green bond by the Water Services Corporation, illustrating the financial sector’s evolving role in advancing green projects.
Concluding her address, the Minister appealed to all stakeholders to view sustainability as both a moral imperative and a source of opportunity. “Through collaboration, innovation, and resilience we can transform Malta into a beacon of sustainable growth that safeguards our planet, uplifts our communities, and secures a brighter future for the generations to come.”
Photo: MEEC
