Party annual general conferences are not just a tradition or custom. They are meant to offer the opportunity for an appropriate stock take of the party itself, whether in government or in Opposition, while offering delegates at any level of the party’s own structures the chance to carry out their own well-meaning soul searching of the political movement that they happen to belong to.

The Labour Party’s annual general conference 2015 was not meant to be an exception.

On the contrary, coming almost literally on the eve of this government’s second year at the helm of the country, it gains in added significance, importance and even political gravitas.

It is heartening to note that, in the key motion discussed, debated and voted upon, apart from taking note with satisfaction of the unquestioned positive economic results achieved and breakthroughs in the energy, education and social sectors, among others, while encouraging the government to continue fulfilling its electoral mandate on the basis of which it achieved its resounding electoral victory of 2013, the key operative motion states:

“This conference encourages the government to strengthen its endeavours in the sector of the natural environment while being open for dialogue with civil society and environmental NGOs...” (translated from Maltese).

This commitment fits perfectly with Labour’s own statutory provisions (Kap II, Għanijiet u Prinċipji, article 6) that, ever since its 2010 revision, had stated

“The Labour Party strongly believes in the need to protect the environment, culture and national heritage as a means of ensuring a better quality of life for all, in full respect for the rights of future generations.”

These are the very same words that had found themselves at the very heart of the electoral manifesto on the basis of which Labour won the general elections of 2013.

The PL had put the enhancement of the environment at the centre of its electoral platform as well as at the basis of the forthcoming reform of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

This was meant to use the demerger as a vehicle that will strengthen the environment and put it at the forefront as one of the would-be government priorities while reducing bureaucracy and speeding up fast tracking in the planning sector.

All this shows a strong commitment and an unquestionable direct link between Labour’s own statute, its electoral manifesto, the imminent Mepa reform and the fresh reinforcement of these principles in practice.

This is clearly spelt out in the key motion around which the party’s 2015 annual general conference revolves.

It is equally interesting that all this comes at a time when the European Environment Commissioner who also handles the maritime affairs and fisheries dossier will be paying his first official visit to Malta.

It also comes at a time when it is imperative for us to reiterate our commitment towards sustainable development goals while recognising the important role that the EU plays and must continue to play in this regard.

We need an ecosystem-based approach that will manage to safeguard the environment, reconcile all this with economic growth that is sustainable while paving the way for the eradication of poverty and improve the management of our resources.

We cannot afford the luxury of wasting opportunities for future generations. On the contrary, we are committed through our endeavours to avoid a situation whereby the mistakes of one generation will be paid for by the next for years to come.

We cannot afford the luxury of wasting opportunities for future generations

Comforted by the fact that we have developed together a resilient economy that should avoid the experiences of other countries that required the shock of a lurch to the left or to the right to try and restore some ‘sanity’ into the system, we are confident we can keep the government in the centre ground.

We can represent and fulfil the aspirations of the middle class while ensuring that we can continue to secure our economic recovery.

While others have continued to move into unchartered territory, we have steadied the ship by providing stability and peace of mind after years of political uncertainty.

Some might find it hard to imagine the experience that countries like Greece, Spain and Italy have gone through given the progress that we have made in recent years but complacency should never be an option.

Neither should the status quo.

While recognising that the full growth and jobs potential of the green economy will continue to depend on improving environmental integration and policy coherence across the EU, we also need to continue leading by example on the home front.

This can be only brought about through effective and consistent mainstreaming.

It can be brought about through the strengthening of our policy architecture that must continue to take place within the sectors with the greatest potential for employment creation, linked to the production of energy from renewable resources, energy efficiency, waste and water management, air quality and green infrastructure.

Aware of the efforts underway by people in the corporate sector to promote the green building concept, we can only encourage such a process to move ahead too, hopefully at a faster rate and pace.

All these efforts must be well coordinated rather than operating in different silos.

The environmental dimension can only be strengthened, particularly in relation to the focus that must be constantly given to sustainability and to the efficient use of resources within the context of the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 Strategy.

Leo Brincat is Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change.