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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 MARCH 2022 OPINION 3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 DECEMBER 2023 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Malta's sustainable development goals THE United Nations theme for the International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2023 is 'United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable De- velopment Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.' The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all world leaders in 2015. The 2030 Agenda is a universal plan of action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosper- ity. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must be implemented in all countries. Inclusion is at the core of the 2030 Agenda with not only a pledge to "leave no one behind" but also an agreement "to reach the furthest behind first". The 2030 Agenda commits to em- powering people at risk of vulnerability, including persons with disabilities. 2030 promotes universal respect for human rights, equality, and non-discrimination (European Disability Forum). Malta Country Report 2023 states that "Although overall Malta performs well on the UN's Sustainable Develop- ment Goals (SDGs), challenges remain in environmental sustainability and ine- qualities". Challenges for persons with disabilities remain in various SDGs. MFOPD went through the SDGs and is of the opinion that Malta is not faring well in the following SDGs which in- clude persons with disabilities: Goal 1 – No poverty: Goal 3 – Good health and well-being: Goal 4 – Quality education: Goal 5 – Gender equality: Goal 7 – Affordable and clean energy: Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth: Goal 10 – Reduces inequalities: Goal 17 – Partnership for the goals. There is a shared responsibility for these goals to be achieved by 2030. Each one of us must shoulder this respon- sibility. "To reach the furthest behind first" should not only be paid lip service to the statement but, most importantly, to do it. Halfway through the time bracket of the SDGs, witnessing the present sit- uation with regards persons with dis- abilities, MFOPD thinks that it is very improbable that by 2030, persons with disabilities will be enjoying peace and prosperity in accordance with the aims of the SDGs. Marthese Mugliette President Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability Choosing the new president; a call for maturity THIS Christmas marks George Vella's last as president after which we should expect the Prime Minister and Oppo- sition leader to sit down and start dis- cussing his successor. The President has had a tumultu- ous five years with the resignation of a prime minister amid political turmoil, an attempt to remove the Opposition leader and the abortion controversy that saw Vella threaten to abort his mission prematurely. But now the eyes of many turn to Robert Abela and Bernard Grech, who have to agree on a name to replace Vella when his term formally ends in April. I just hope that both leaders show maturity and prevent another impasse like that which occurred when the Standards Commissioner had to be chosen. In the new year, I hope Abela and Grech can rise above petty politics and personal egos to give this country a president who can represent this coun- try with dignity. M. Agius Birkirkara