KNZ meets Youth Minister

On February 24, the KNZ executive met Minister for Youth and the Arts Jesmond Mugliett. During this meeting, KNZ introduced the new executive and presented the work plan for this year.

The plan outlines a number of initiatives and activities that KNZ will be carry out throughout the year. Jean Paul De Lucca, president of the National Youth Council, said that in the field of policy KNZ would be particularly focusing on two areas, namely the reform of the welfare system, including pensions, and education.

A number of other focus areas have been identified by the council's work plan which also has the aim of increasing participation of individuals and organisations which work at a local level across the various localities on the island. Mr De Lucca said that the work plan, drawn up by the executive after consultations with member organisations, was aimed at striking a balance between effective policy-making and the organisation of activities and initiatives.

Minister Mugliett expressed his satisfaction that more than ever before, the KNZ executive committee is made up of young people representing a wide spectrum of society. He also thanked KNZ for its work in the international sphere. Both the council and the minister agreed upon the importance of enacting the recent National Youth Policy, prepared by the Ministry in collaboration with KNZ in order to address the various needs of Maltese youth in today's society.

Referring to the collaboration between the council and the ministry, the minister emphasised the importance of such co-operation while respecting the autonomy of the council which has a right to keep an eye on the work of the relevant authorities.