A new foundation promoting social solidarity will be set up by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca in the very near future

The President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society will have a council of governors made up of past and acting presidents of the Republic and ex-prime ministers, she said, so “we can tap into their knowledge and expertise”.

President Coleiro Preca made the announcement yesterday as she was wrapping up a conference on ‘The Family in Society’ organised by the National Family Commission at the Verdala Palace on the International Day of the Family.

“We should be reflecting on the family every single day and not just on this day, because if we have a strong family, we have a strong society, a strong democracy, strong children and a stronger future,” she said.

The President’s Foundation – which she stressed will not be an extension of “any ministry” – will have four pillars: a National Institute for Childhood, a National Observatory for Living with Dignity, a National Research Council and a National Centre for Freedom from Addictions.

Ms Coleiro Preca said she will be formally inviting the University of Malta and the Foundation of Social Welfare Services to work in tandem with her foundation.

She appealed to all NGOs and all stakeholders present to work together and pull the same rope.

“Together we have to nip the problems and challenges that families face in the bud,” she said.