Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1525500
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 18 AUGUST 2024 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION In September 2015, Malta became a signatory to the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 SDGs address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. With a wide range of multidiscipli- nary tools, the Public Service plays a critical role in achieving the SDGs by translating these goals into tangible actions. In fact, sustainable devel- opment is mainstreamed across the Public Administration, with a well-established governance mech- anism underpinned by the Sustaina- ble Development Act. This legislative framework provides for a system of coordination across the Public Administration to facilitate effective dialogue and cross-sectoral collab- oration so that sustainable develop- ment is integrated in its day-to-day administration and operations. Whilst the Ministry for the Environ- ment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour (MEER) is the de facto Competent Authority, the Act designates the highest officials in each Ministry, the Permanent Secre- taries, as Sustainable Development Coordinators and also provides for a Sustainable Development Focal Point in every Ministry, these being the Policy Development Directors. Furthermore, the Guardian of Future Generations and the Sustainable Development Network also aim at fostering exchange of views and na- tional dialogue, as well as overseeing the implementation of sustainable development in Malta. The recently published Sustainable Development Report 2024 by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Dublin University Press ranked Malta in 36th place out of 167 countries with a score of 77%. In the 2023 Report, Malta scored 75.5%, ranking 41st out of 166 countries. While it is positive to note signs of continuous improvements in most of the SDGs, the Government is com- mitted to addressing the remaining gaps and challenges through tar- geted sectoral policy interventions and initiatives by all Ministries and Entities. By taking a whole-of-government ap- proach, Malta's Sustainable Develop- ment Strategy for 2050 which under- went public consultation, serves as an overarching strategic framework that will lead to tangible and con- crete action plans to achieve Malta's goals in the coming years. It builds on Malta's Sustainable Development Vision 2050 and further aligns with the UN Agenda 2030 and its 17 SDGs, while accounting for other develop- ments and current EU, international and national commitments. The Strategy seeks to strengthen cur- rent institutional mechanisms and support structures, while paving the way for the introduction of new processes to allow for more effective, efficient, and coherent efforts. This Strategy focuses on five strategic goals, which are considered the most significant for, and pertinent to, Malta, these being transitioning towards a climate neutral green and blue economy; preserving sustaina- ble urban development and cultural heritage; ensuring healthy lives and wellbeing for all; accelerating digital transformation, smart mobility and connectivity; and achieving social fairness and prosperity for all. In order to assess progress and en- sure the effective realisation of these goals, a set of national Sustainable Development indicators (SDIs) and targets were developed. These ef- forts are complemented by the work of the National Expert Group on SDIs, presided by the National Statistics Office and composed of technical of- ficers from all Ministries and Entities, which facilitates coordination among stakeholders in SDI-related activities to address existing gaps. Moreover, with the aim of strength- ening policy coherence for sustain- able development, every year the Public Service also undertakes an ex- ercise to align the budget measures with the SDGs, a practice initiated in 2019. This process involves a com- prehensive assessment by all minis- tries to evaluate how their respective measures and initiatives contribute towards attaining the SDGs. Such an approach not only fosters trans- parency and accountability within Government's decision-making but also ensures that the principles of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental) are con- sistently prioritised. Recognising the importance of continuous monitoring of progress, Malta will be presenting its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the 17 SDGs during next year's UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development. In drafting the second VNR, MEER is committed to deploy a whole-of-government and society approach, while ensuring a broad, transparent, and participatory stake- holder process. Public Administration and Governance for the SDGs By taking a whole-of- government approach, Malta's Sustainable Development Strategy for 2050 which underwent public consultation, serves as an overarching strategic framework that will lead to tangible and concrete action plans to achieve Malta's goals in the coming years.