Malta had challenges that were common to other countries and others which were specific, Labour Party leadership contender Evarist Bartolo said.

He was speaking during an activity attended by persons from a wide range of backgrounds such as the arts, the disabled, businessmen, historical heritage, journalism and education.

Main global challenges included climate change and the need to start using clean energy and new means of transport. But the government had shown no commitment as yet to carry out the necessary changes.

Another big challenge was the cost of oil and food. The government had allowed these costs to go up even though, before the election, it had promised a solution to the problem.

Malta’s place in the global economy and how it could attract new investment were also discussed. Mr Bartolo pointed out that the government’s urgently needed to say what it was going to do about the future of the shipyards and ST Microelectronics.

The discussion emphasised how the necessary educational changes were to be carried out in order to have the biggest possible number of young people coming up with abilities that were relevant to the present and the future. The educational system, it was agreed, had to be based on creativity, science and technology, good use of the Maltese and English languages and the development of personal and social abilities.

Another point discussed was the creation of social, cultural, technological and political conditions for the development of talents so that those who left the country to widen their abilities would be encouraged to return.The business breakfast also discussed a system of government where everyone would feel equal and the country would feel like everyone’s home.

It discussed the development of civil society, the need to ensure a better quality of public services in health and social welfare, the need to coordinate prevention strategies and the strengthening of Malta’s identity in a globalised world.