EkoSkola students were able to appraise the National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2050 during the 18th edition of the EkoSkola Parliament.

During their intervention, youths addressed the significance of environmental policies in the political landscape on the national and European level.

Nature Trust FEE Malta organised the 18th edition of the EkoSkola Parliament under the auspices of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Anglu Farrugia. 75 EkoSkola students from 40 schools gathered to appraise the National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2050.

This yearly extraordinary gathering, held at the heart of Malta’s legislative chambers, exemplifies the commitment of Malta’s youth to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

NTM explained that the EkoSkola Parliament Session is the annual event that brings together young policy makers, participating in the EkoSkola programme, face to face with the country’s official policy makers in a positive parliamentary debate about ways of improving the quality of life in our country.

“With eloquence, these students, representing the diverse EkoSkola network, addressed several members of Parliament that were present for the sitting following an invite sent by the students,” the NTM said.

It added that “the dialogue that ensued was both enlightening and inspiring, highlighting the importance of collaboration between governmental bodies and grassroots initiatives in achieving sustainable development goals.”

Among the key highlights of the event was the tabling of a memorandum prepared by youths which was presented to the candidates for the upcoming MEP elections.

NTM said that “their proactive approach emphasised the urgent need for political engagement on environmental matters, urging for the necessary political determination to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequity.”

The input from youths attending the sitting was also part of an initiative to mark European Youth Week (EYW). This is organised by the European Commission every second year to celebrate and promote youth engagement, participation, and active citizenship all over Europe and beyond.

This year, the EYW was held between the 12th and 19th of April, 2 months ahead of the European elections in June.

The actions related to European Youth Week are supported by the European Commission through the Malta National Agency EUPA.

Nature Trust FEE Malta said that it is “steadfast in its approach to continue being the platform for meaningful discourse and action that has empowered Malta’s youth to be catalysts for sustainable development over the past 20 years.”

To learn more about this one can visit the EkoSkola Parliament Exhibition which will be open throughout the month of April in the foyer of the Parliament building.

The EkoSkola programme is sponsored by the HSBC Malta plc, Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Wasteserv, Ambjent Malta, Local Councils Association and Transport Malta.

EkoSkola Malta – Eco-Schools is coordinated by Nature Trust – FEE Malta with support from the Ministry of Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation; Ambjent Malta; HSBC Malta Foundation; Wasteserv Malta and Transport Malta.

Photo: DOI

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