The first meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) for this year was held at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta and was chaired by the newly appointed Chairperson of the MCESD, Maria Micallef.
In her first address, delivered in the presence of the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Andy Ellul, and the social partners, Micallef explained that the MCESD has a unique and essential role in our country: to serve as a space for structured, serious, and constructive dialogue among the social partners.
She also noted that, in a world undergoing rapid change economically, socially, and technologically, the need for mature and informed dialogue has never been more instrumental or necessary.
The chairperson stressed her commitment to leading the MCESD with integrity, impartiality, and seriousness in collaboration with all social partners.
She further explained that, in the coming days, she will be meeting with the members and committees of the MCESD Council to discuss the social partners’ expectations and to carry out structured work to address these in a professional manner.
In his address, Ellul stressed that the MCESD will once again be addressing topics of national importance this year, as it did in the previous year.
He also announced that measures relating to the Right to Disconnect, Remote Working, and Maternity, Paternity, and Parental Leave will be brought before the MCESD for discussion prior to their finalisation.
He explained that these measures aim to further strengthen the balance between work and personal life through a modern and sustainable model that reflects today’s realities and the needs of the country.
During the meeting, recognition was also given to the work of Perit David Xuereb during his three-year tenure as chairperson, during which he continued to strengthen the role of the MCESD as the country’s principal national platform for social dialogue.
This meeting also marked the first for Permanent Secretary Carlos Tabone in his role as deputy chairperson of the MCESD. In addition, Micallef chaired her first meeting as the first female chairperson of the MCESD.
