Last month, I was asked to take over at the helm of AŻAD from my colleague Ranier Fsadni. AŻAD stands for Akkademja għall-Iżvilupp ta' Ambjent Demokratiku (Academy for the Development of a Democratic Environment). It was founded in 1976, when democracy in Malta was approaching the brink. Inspired by Christian democratic principles, it was given the task to serve as a centre for political studies. Despite its ideological links with the Nationalist Party, the academy has always operated at arms' length from party politics and has focused on providing opportunities for political education in Malta. There is no doubt that, in fulfilling this role, AŻAD gave a sterling contribution to the strengthening of democracy and to the promotion of European values in Malta.

Along the years, AŻAD had the privilege of benefitting from the leadership of personalities ranging from its founding president, Ċensu Tabone to Vanni Bonello, Mario Tabone, Richard Muscat, Michael Frendo and Dr Fsadni, all of whom distinguished themselves - and some still do - in their respective public roles.

I have now been asked to take over from Dr Fsadni and I am thankful to Lawrence Gonzi and to Paul Borg Olivier for having entrusted me with this task. I look forward to this new challenge with great motivation, because I strongly believe that our country needs a political academy that can harness the strong public enthusiasm we have for politics and convert it into a positive energy at the service of society.

AŻAD's core objectives will not change. It will continue to promote European values in our society, notably the value of democracy, and it will continue to be inspired by the principles of Christian democracy. And it will also re-assert itself as a leading political academy that contributes to political studies, to political formation and to policy-making in Malta.

However, AŻAD will realign its priorities and its functions in order to re-engage with a fast-changing society that is a far cry from what it was in the late 1970s when AŻAD was first set up. Today's society has certainly changed, although the need for a balanced and analytical contribution to political debate is no less important.

I would therefore like AŻAD to take a lead in probing some compelling issues that our society is facing today and to debate them openly and serenely away from the pressures of government and of political parties.

In the social sphere, for instance, cohabitation, divorce, censorship, pension reform and poverty readily come to mind. In the economic field, public finance, economic governance, competitiveness and structural reforms will certainly be on the agenda.

At the same time, I would like to preserve the role that AŻAD has curved out for itself over the past decade as a centre for adult education, notably on cultural subjects that are closely linked with our Maltese identity.

AŻAD will also continue to strengthen its network of contacts in Europe and in the Mediterranean, making it a natural platform for open dialogue and exchanges in the region.

I want AŻAD to be exclusive in its contribution but I also want it to be inclusive in its approach.

I therefore wish to use the opportunity offered to me by this widely-read column to launch an appeal to all those who are interested in politics with a capital "P" and who wish to help shape public debate and public policy. You are invited to join this exciting venture and to contact me to work together.

There are no eligibility requirements for those who want to be involved. Certainly no age, experience or qualification requirements. All you need is a willingness to contribute to a healthy democratic environment and to do your part for your society.

So if you want to change politics, here is an opportunity to do something about it. The first AŻAD event takes place this Friday and you are most welcome to join us.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Malta's application to join the European Union, on July 16, 1990, leading journalist Reno Bugeja will lead a no-strings-attached interview with Eddie Fenech Adami and Guido de Marco. He will take them down memory lane on their role in the run-up and aftermath of Malta's application, on their personal memories and anecdotes along the way and on their assessment of membership six years down the line.

The event will take place at the prestigious San Anton gardens this Friday starting at 7 p.m. If you want to join us just send an e-mail to admin@azad-malta.com to confirm your attendance. Because of limited seating capacity, prior reservation is required.

I would be delighted to see you there.

www.simonbusuttil.eu

Dr Busuttil is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.