It is with great pride that I stand before you today at the close of the 4th European Youth Work Convention here in Valletta. Up until yesterday, I had no idea I’d be standing here with you today in my new role as Minister for EU Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme. So, if I look a little perplexed, I ask for your understanding—it’s been a whirlwind day, but I truly couldn’t have hoped for a more inspiring occasion to begin this new chapter.
A chapter, that I have to say, is actually Chapter Two as this portfolio for me is surely not unfamiliar. Between 2020 and 2022, I had the honour of overseeing European Funds as Parliamentary Secretary. Those, as you might recall, were challenging years, especially through the pandemic – but they were also a powerful reminder of how crucial EU funding is in driving forward national priorities and supporting people through uncertain times. I return to this role with experience, energy, and a clear sense of purpose.
Over the past few days, you have witnessed something truly special—voices united, ideas shared, and a community of passionate youth workers, decision-makers, and young people determined to shape the future of youth policy in Europe. This Convention, under the theme ‘Youth Work Xcelerate’, has been a pivotal platform. It allowed us not only to reflect on where we are but to decisively set the course for where we want youth work in Europe to go. And we did just that.
Together, you took stock of the progress made since the last Convention in 2020. And I am proud to say that the landscape of European youth work is stronger, more connected, and more empowered than ever before.
Our work would not be possible without the sustained commitment and investment of the European Union through Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. Through Erasmus+, youth worker mobility and cooperation projects have laid the foundation for a more recognised, better resourced, and better connected youth work profession. These opportunities enabled our youth workers to gain international experience, engage in knowledge-sharing, and return home inspired with new tools and practices.
“The landscape of European youth work is stronger, more connected, and more empowered than ever before”
In Malta alone, the Erasmus+ Youth field recorded 2,986 participants in learning mobility activities across 2023 and 2024, supported by a remarkable 390 youth organisations. This represents not only strong engagement but also deep-rooted institutional participation that will carry this work forward.
The European Solidarity Corps has equally left its mark. Through high-quality volunteering and solidarity projects, it has brought the values of democracy, cohesion, and active citizenship to life for young people. It has also aligned closely with Malta’s National Volunteering Policy 2020–2025, especially in promoting good governance, inclusion, and relevance in volunteering initiatives. These programmes are more than numbers. They are stories of transformation. Of young people finding their voice. Of youth workers finding recognition. Of organisations building bridges across borders.
This Convention was an opportunity to reflect on how these initiatives feed directly into broader national and European strategies. From the European Youth Strategy 2019–2027, to the European Youth Work Agenda, to our own Malta Strategy 2050, there has been a consistent call: to empower young people not just as beneficiaries, but as co-creators of the democratic and social fabric of our countries.
“Malta’s Vision 2050 envisions a just, inclusive, and resilient society. Youth work is a cornerstone in achieving this future.”
It is through strong youth participation and recognised youth work that we will realise the strategic goals of sustainable development, social cohesion, and innovation.
These past few days, we did more than exchange ideas—we built a European Roadmap for Youth Work. Together, we agreed on shared priorities, affirmed our commitment to quality standards, and designed mechanisms for collaboration that will ensure the sustainability of youth work across Europe. We paved the way for the future. We laid down a concrete plan to accelerate—not just youth work, but also the recognition, resources, and respect it so rightly deserves.
Being in the driving seat of the Presidency of the Council of Europe, we are proud to have contributed meaningfully to this shared vision. Let me say it clearly: even the smallest country can play a big role in shaping Europe’s youth policy. Malta may be small in size, but through our commitment, through our leadership at this Convention, and through the active participation of our institutions and young people in Erasmus+ and ESC—we have proven that we can lead, we can inspire, and we can accelerate change.
In closing, I wish to thank all our partners—the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership, and our own national youth agency Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, along with the EUPA, for their unwavering support. To all youth workers, volunteers, and young people—your work matters, your voice matters, and your future matters. Let us go forward with renewed determination to build a Europe where no young person is left behind.
And as I step into this new role, I want to make it clear that I am here for you. I make myself available to listen, to collaborate, and to support your efforts—because it is only by working together that we can truly turn our shared vision into reality. Thank you, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.
Thank you.
