Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1525812
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 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 multidisciplinary tools, the Public Service plays a critical role in achieving the SDGs by translat- ing these goals into tangible actions. In fact, sustainable development is mainstreamed across the Public Administration, with a well-established governance mechanism underpinned by the Sustainable Development Act. This legislative framework provides for a system of coordination across the Public Administration to facilitate effective dialogue and cross-sectoral collaboration so that sustainable de- velopment 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 Secretaries, as Sustainable Development Coordi- nators and also provides for a Sus- tainable Development Focal Point in every Ministry, these being the Policy Development Directors. Furthermore, the Guardian of Future Generations and the Sustainable Development Net- work also aim at fostering exchange of views and national 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%, rank- ing 41st out of 166 countries. While it is positive to note signs of continuous improvements in most of the SDGs, the Government is committed to addressing the remaining gaps and challenges through targeted sectoral policy interventions and initiatives by all Ministries and Entities. By taking a whole-of-government approach, Malta's Sustainable De- velopment 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. 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 developments and current EU, international and national commit- ments. The Strategy seeks to strength- en current 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 signifi- cant for, and pertinent to, Malta, these being transitioning towards a climate neutral green and blue economy; preserving sustainable urban develop- ment 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 ensure the effective realisation of these goals, a set of national Sustainable Devel- opment indicators (SDIs) and targets were developed. These efforts are complemented by the work of the Na- tional Expert Group on SDIs, presided by the National Statistics Office and composed of technical officers from all Ministries and Entities, which facilitates coordination among stakeholders in SDI-related activities to address exist- ing gaps. Moreover, with the aim of strengthen- ing policy coherence for sustainable development, every year the Public Service also undertakes an exercise to align the budget measures with the SDGs, a practice initiated in 2019. This process involves a comprehensive assessment by all ministries to evaluate how their respective measures and initiatives contribute towards attaining the SDGs. Such an approach not only fosters transparency and accountabili- ty within Government's decision-mak- ing but also ensures that the principles of sustainable development (eco- nomic, social, and environmental) are consistently prioritised. Recognising the importance of con- tinuous monitoring of progress, Malta will be presenting its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the imple- mentation 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-gov- ernment and society approach, while ensuring a broad, transparent, and participatory stakeholder 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.