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 On Friday evening, at Villa Bighi in Kalkara, an activity was held by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government together with the Local Government Division, where the work of local councils in communities was highlighted. The activity was divided into three parts that represented the past, present and future of the local government sector. In the first part, an audiovisual presentation took the guests back in time to the first forms of local governments in our country. In the second part, through an exhibition, the work of local councils in the heart of localities was reflected, through various projects and services carried out in recent years. The final part looked at the future of local councils through the eyes of two young people, Mariah Vella, aged ten, and Ilyas Ige Sultana, aged twelve. Mariah and Ilyas gave speeches in which they stressed that the work of local councils is not only to have a better country, but also to build a better world. These young people are part of the RIGHTS programme run by the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society. Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli stressed that local councils are at the heart of community life and have evolved significantly over the years. She mentioned the substantial increase in funds that the government has given to local councils as well as the schemes and projects that have been implemented and which are leading to a better quality of life for residents. “Over the last four years, 31 schemes have been implemented with an investment of more than €21 million, which have led to a large number of projects and activities in localities across Malta and Gozo, with direct benefit for residents,” stressed Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli. The parliamentary secretary explained how investment in digitalisation, education and good governance is strengthening local councils to continue improving the quality of life of residents, while building more inclusive, sustainable and citizen-friendly communities. She recalled the importance of collaboration with different entities and the participation of young people in shaping the future. “Our work does not stop here. The goal of delivering better communities for those after us, also in alignment with the Malta 2050 Vision, must continue to place the citizen at the centre of the work we carry out”, concluded Zerafa Civelli. Representatives of the children's councils led a reflection on the future they want to see based on peace, sustainability, the active participation of children and youth, the protection of traditions and that opportunities should go hand in hand with inclusiveness, sustainability and quality of life. Photo (DOI/MCLG_PS)