Malta to host 2012 Forum of the International Award

The triennial Forum of the International Award for Young People, known locally as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, will be held in Malta in 2012.

The forum is a gathering of committee members and coordinators of the various national organisations within the award with the purpose of sharing ideas and experiences, discussing the future of the award and preparing for it.

New countries are formally accepted and welcomed into the programme by attending delegates and Prince Edward, chairman of the International Council of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Over 500 delegates from 106 countries attended this year's forum in Sydney, Australia, themed 'Fit for the Future'.

A five-man delegation represented Malta at this year's forum, consisting of chairman Charles Cilia, vice chairman Kenneth De Martino, honorary secretary Marion Cilia, as well as two youngsters who took part in the preparations for the bid for Forum 2012 - Jana Farrugia and Rachel De Martino. Ms Farrugia also participated in the Youth Concert held at the Sydney Opera House, where she shared her experience of the President's Award in Malta. The delegation was joined by Malta's Ambassador to Australia, Francis Tabone.

A DVD about Malta and Forum 2012 was shown on the final day during a presentation by Mr De Martino, after which Malta's high commissioner to Australia, Francis Tabone made the official invitation to delegates for Forum 2012 from the Maltese government.

Afterwards, Prince Edward congratulated the Malta delegation on a "brilliant" presentation and commended the fact that the DVD was presented by youths.

Another highlight for the Maltese delegation was the appointment of Charles Cilia as vice chairman to the Board of Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

For more information about the award or to view the DVD presentations visit www.presidentsaward.org.mt or www.intaward.org.