Empowering Youth and Advancing Research in Malta
The Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research, and Innovation
The Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research, and Innovation is dedicated to fostering a dynamic environment that empowers young individuals, advances scientific and industrial research, and promotes innovative practices across Malta Operating under the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, the Secretariat plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives that contribute to the nation's socio-economic development As the new year unfolds, the Secretariat highlights some important milestones achieved in the first weeks of 2025. Photography DOI, courtesy The Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research, and Innovation
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Photo Sean Cini Above: Driven
Photo Omar Camilleri /
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With Hon Keith Azzopardi Tanti at the helm, the Secretariat has been instrumental in implementing strategies that enhance educational opportunities, support youth engagement, and drive research excellence By collaborating with various stakeholders, including educational institutions, research bodies, and international partners, the Secretariat ensures that Malta remains at the forefront of innovation and youth empowerment.
A key pillar of the Secretariat’s mission is to identify and lay the foundations for emerging economic sectors that will drive Malta’s longterm growth. By building on the countr y ’ s previous successes in financial ser vices, gaming, aviation, and technolog y, the Secretariat is focused on expanding Malta’s economic portfolio into high-value added, knowledge-based industries Through targeted research investment, policy development, public-private collaboration and building a workforce equipped with the demands of emerging industries, Malta aims to push for ward policy to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in these new areas, reinforcing its position as a competitive and future-ready economy.
Marking a strong start to the year, key initiatives have been introduced that reinforce the Government’s commitment to youth engagement, research advancements, and technological progress These early accomplishments set the tone for another
year of dynamic policymaking and strategic investment, ensuring that Malta continues to thrive as a centre of knowledge, opportunity, and for ward-thinking innovation
EUROPEAN YOUTH CARD: UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
One of the standout initiatives is the launch of the European Youth Card campaign. This initiative extends beyond simple discounts: it ser ves as a vehicle for opportunity, mobility, and personal development With over 10,000 cardholders in Malta and 7 million across Europe, the European Youth Card strengthens the sense of community among young people while providing tangible benefits that improve their ever yday lives
Through partnerships spanning 42 countries, cardholders gain access to over 22,000 discounts in various sectors, including education, health, travel, and entertainment More than a financial benefit, this initiative represents a commitment to social equity, ensuring that young individuals, regardless of their background, have access to opportunities that will shape their future. 2025 marks a pivotal year for youth engagement in Malta, with unprecedented opportunities to elevate youth policies on an international stage. As Malta prepares to take on the Presidency of the Council of Europe, the countr y will lead discussions and
initiatives aimed at strengthening youth participation across Europe.
Two prestigious events will take place during this presidency : The European Youth Work Convention in May 2025 and The Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in October 2025
Both events will ser ve as key moments to amplify the voices of young people, positioning Malta as a leader in youth policy development These milestones highlight the government’s commitment to investing in young people and ensuring they play an active role in shaping the future.
Today’s young generation is dynamic, creative, and technologically adept, having grown up in a fast-evolving digital world They are well-equipped to drive change and innovation, and initiatives like the European Youth Card – along with Malta’s role on the European stage – ensure that their potential is fully recognized and supported
Above: One of the standout initiatives by the Secretariat in early 2025 has been the launch of the European Youth Card campaign This initiative extends beyond simple discounts: it serves as a vehicle for opportunity, mobility, and personal development Photo Alan Saliba / DOI Below: An annual event by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ (held this January), Il-Konkors ta’ Letteratura
, part of government's commitment to empower young people and ensure they play an active role in society Photo Omar Camilleri / DOI
CRIHM CANCER MOBILE UNIT: BRINGING AWARENESS TO COMMUNITIES
Healthcare and scientific research remain crucial priorities for Malta’s development, and a significant step for ward was taken with the launch of the Cancer Research and Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM) Mobile Unit This project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising
awareness, promoting early detection, and fostering community engagement in the fight against cancer
“Initiatives like the CRIHM Mobile Unit are essential in preventing cancer and increasing sur vival rates,“ the Parliamentar y Secretar y Hon Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasized during the launch this Februar y “With cancer remaining one of the most pressing global health challenges, we must continue to invest in prevention, screening, and treatment This mobile unit will bring vital information and resources directly to our communities.”
The project, developed in collaboration with Ħamrun Ħanin’s Sports Unity initiative, demonstrates the power of unity in addressing significant health concerns. The mobile unit will travel across Malta and Gozo, providing educational resources on cancer prevention and promoting healthier lifestyles Backed by government investment reaching €1 million for cancer research this year, this initiative underscores Malta’s commitment to advancing healthcare and saving lives through scientific progress
MALTA’S QUANTUM LEAP: INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF COMPUTING AND MORE
One of the most ambitious research initiatives in Malta’s histor y is its investment in quantum computing
Led by Professors Andre Xuereb and John
This page: Healthcare and scientific research remain crucial priorities for Malta’s development, and this February a significant step forward was taken with the launch of the Cancer Research and Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM) Mobile Unit This project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising awareness, promoting early detection, and fostering community engagement in the fight against cancer Photography Omar Camilleri / DOI
Above: Research Project in Quantum Computing in collaboration with UoM One of the most ambitious research initiatives in Malta’s history is its investment in quantum computing Led by Professors Andre Xuereb and John Apollaro at the University of Malta, this pioneering research project places Malta on the global map of emerging technologies, bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications Photo Giuseppe Attard / DOI Below right: This January, the Parliamentary Secretariat, in collaboration with the University of Malta, launched a new research project for the prevention of colon cancer, which aims to identify the risks of colon cancer early, ahead of symptoms developing This, together with the Quantum Computing project, is part of a wider campaign which includes 10 innovative research initiatives that the Secretariat will be launching during the first half of 2025 Photo Omar Camilleri / DOI
Apollaro at the University of Malta, this pioneering research project places Malta on the global map of emerging technologies, bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications
This initiative is the first of ten major research projects and fellowships being launched by the Parliamentar y Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation in the first half of 2025, covering a wide range of cuttingedge sectors, including healthcare, aviation and avionics, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics, and green sustainable energ y. These investments reflect Malta’s commitment to positioning itself at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements, fostering innovation across multiple industries in an era where the future of European Competitiveness is at a standstill
This initiative fosters international collaboration with leading tech giants such as IBM, Amazon, and Airbus, providing Maltese
researchers with access to state-of-the-art quantum hardware and expertise. The project also focuses on engaging the public, with plans for a permanent quantum computing exhibit at Esplora, Malta’s National Science Centre, to inspire young minds and cultivate future generations of scientists
Additionally, Malta will host an international summer school on quantum computing in 2026, drawing researchers and students from around the world This initiative marks a strategic investment in Malta’s future as a hub for scientific excellence, creating new opportunities for local talent to engage with cutting-edge technolog y on a global scale
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Through these and more transformative projects, The Parliamentar y Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation continues to lead Malta’s efforts in youth empowerment, scientific research, and technological innovation. Its vision is clear : a nation where young people have access to limitless opportunities, where research is a driver of progress, and where Malta stands at the forefront of global technological advancements
The gover nment, t hroug h t he Parli ament ar y S e cret ar i at for Yout h, R es e arch and Innovat ion, is committe d to invest ing in t he p otent i a l of its yout h, t he br i l li ance of its res e archers, and t he innovat ion t hat w i l l def ine t he nat ion’s f uture This appro ach ensures t hat f uture generat ions in her it a Ma lt a t hat is st ronger, smar ter, and more resi lient t han e ver b efore
As Malta continues to evolve as a leader in education, research, and innovation, the Secretariat’s commitment ensures that these advancements not only shape the present but also lay the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future
Left: The Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation leads Malta’s efforts in youth empowerment, scientific research, and technological innovation, with a vision for a nation where young people have access to limitless opportunities, where research is a driver of progress, and where Malta stands at the forefront of global technological advancements Photo Justin Mizzi / DOI
ISSUE 358 FEBRUARY 2025 A
CAPSULE OF THE WORLD
