The proposals and aspirations of Gozitan children and youth for the present and future of the island of Gozo were heard at event held in Marsalforn for the Gozo Vision 2050.

Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, together with President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, also addressed those present for the event.

The meeting was organised by the Ministry for Gozo and Planning together with the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society and the Local Children’s Councils in Gozo as part of the Malta 2050 Vision.

Minister Clint Camilleri stated that the event was not a simple meeting, but a celebration of the energy, creativity and vision of Gozitan youth.

He argued that the voice of children and youth should be at the centre of the decision-making process, because they are not only the future of Gozo, but also part of its present.

Minister Camilleri thanked all the children who participated in the workshops where with fresh and courageous ideas they pointed out themes such as the environment, community, sustainable growth and better services. He stressed that these views are proof of how committed and ready young people are to contribute to shaping a vision for a fairer and more sustainable Gozo.

He concluded by saying that the contribution of children has great value because it gives clear direction on how the island’s policies and priorities should be shaped.

“I would like to remind you that your thinking, dreams and energy are indispensable for us to build together a Gozo that truly belongs to everyone and for everyone,” said Minister Camilleri.

President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said, “the future of our country belongs to our children, and thus we cannot plan a vision for Malta and Gozo without our children. Therefore, we must listen to them and we want them to be part of this process. We must place their aspirations at the centre of our vision and plans.”

“I believe that the message of the children will be heard and the necessary actions will be taken, to ensure a more resilient and better country for them. Dear children, you have shown us that you are not passive observers, you have shown us that you want to be part of building and strengthening the future of our country and you have shown us that the future of Gozo will be in good hands,” concluded Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli said that the Malta 2050 Vision lists the need for communities to have a voice for everyone and therefore it is essential to listen to the ideas and aspirations of children and young people who in 25 years will be leading this country. “Through local children’s councils we are giving them the necessary tools to aspire to have an increasingly better country.”

“In our vision towards the year 2050, we are seeing that we have more inclusive communities that do not hesitate to participate in the thinking, discussion and execution of projects in the localities,” concluded the Parliamentary Secretary.

Dr Jonathan Spiteri from the Vision Malta 2050 team said that, “All of this represents what the Vision means and why we need it, to achieve resilient and inclusive communities. Many of these proposals are already aligned with the vision and therefore this indicates that the journey we are taking together will truly lead to a better quality of life.”

Photo: DOI

Permalink: Children and youth proposals heard at ‘Young Gozitans’ Vision for 2050′