Ways to fight poverty

Within the context of the European Year 2010 for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (EY2010), a Round Table conference was organised recently by the national implementing body at the Education Ministry in collaboration with Malta EU Steering Action...

Within the context of the European Year 2010 for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (EY2010), a Round Table conference was organised recently by the national implementing body at the Education Ministry in collaboration with Malta EU Steering Action Committee (Meusac) and Caritas.

Representatives from unions, NGOs, and public authorities came together to discuss effective ways to combat poverty and social exclusion in Malta.

The EY2010 has been striving to recognise the fundamental right of people experiencing poverty and social exclusion to live in dignity and take an active part in society as well as to foster commitment by all public and private players and a more cohesive society.

In his opening address, Meusac head and chairman Vanni Xuereb said 84 million people in the EU, which represents 16 per cent of the population, and 19 per cent of children, are currently at risk of poverty.

The panel of speakers included EY2010 project leader Stephen Vella, Caritas Malta director Mgr Victor Grech, Anti-Poverty Forum Malta president Irene Schembri, General Workers Union general secretary Tony Zarb, Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin general secretary Gejtu Vella, Local Councils Association president Michael Cohen and Parliamentary assistant Dr Stephen Spiteri.

Representatives from the three main political parties also shared their views.

For more information on the EY2010 campaign, visit www.2010againstpoverty.eu.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.