The inaugural conference of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion in Malta was held at the Grand Salon of the Auberge de Provence, Valletta, last Wednesday. The ceremony was presided by President George Abela and Social Policy Minister John Dalli introduced the conference.

The inaugural conference was also addressed by Irene Schembri, president of the Anti Poverty Forum (Malta). She highlighted the meaning of the European Year for voluntary organisations.

The National Implementing Body, led by Social Policy Ministry Permanent Secretary Francis Borg, will be holding a series of national events in collaboration with NGOs throughout the year. Activities will include conferences, seminars, studies and awareness-raising events such as Focus Week in April, an art exhibition and a journalist competition.

The year will end with a closing conference on December 17 in Brussels, under the Belgian Presidency of the EU.

In his address, Marios Camhis, acting head of EC representation in Malta, spoke about the EU's objectives and challenges. He said we should not feel detached from people who live below the poverty line.

"It is a reality in Malta as much as it is elsewhere, perhaps even in your neighbourhood. Almost 80 million Europeans, or 17 per cent of people across the EU, currently live in such conditions. The European Year places this issue at the top of the EU agenda so that Europe as a whole can join forces to fight poverty and social exclusion through concrete actions. Key players, such as governments and social partners, as well as the public at large, should act in a concerted manner to promote inclusion and social integration."

The slogan 'Stop Poverty Now!' aims to put the fight against poverty - which directly affects one in six Europeans. It also aims to promote social integration and inclusion and encourage clear commitments on drawing up EU and national policies to tackle poverty and social exclusion.