Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529221
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS The future speaks: 'ISIMGhUNA' conference focuses on youth vision for a sustainable Malta The Malta ESG Alliance organised the conference to provide Maltese youth aged 11 to 14 with a platform to present their ideas on sustainability to national leaders IN an empowering and for- ward-looking conference, the Malta ESG Alliance (MESGA) hosted ISIMGħUNA, bringing together students from inde- pendent, church, and state schools across Malta and Gozo to share their visions for the country's future in alignment with the SDGs and ESG prin- ciples. Designed to amplify youth perspectives, the conference provided a platform for stu- dents to present their ideas directly to the national lead- ers; the President, the prime minister, the leader of the op- position, ministers, shadow ministers, members of parlia- ment, MCESD social partners, and representatives from the Church; all gathered to hear the next generation's aspira- tions for a sustainable Malta. MESGA Chairperson Perit David Xuereb explained that the conference's name, ISI- MGħUNA, was chosen by the students themselves to repre- sent their platform for expres- sion, aligning with Malta's na- tional educational strategy. Students from various schools tackled each of the 17 SDGs, discussing Malta's current achievements and the steps needed to reach these critical goals. They posed questions to business leaders about Malta's progress on key challenges, ex- ploring how they, too, can con- tribute to these essential areas. Students emphasised the ur- gent precautions and actions that Malta must take to build a sustainable future. During the conference, art- ist Joe Farrugia illustrated the ideas shared by the children, capturing their perspectives through art, and explaining his interpretations. This artwork will now jour- ney to schools across Malta and Gozo, spending a week in each to inspire students and convey the diverse messages and emotions expressed at ISI- MGħUNA. To close the conference, President Myriam Spiteri Debono remarked that she had taken note of the key challeng- es that need to be addressed to prepare young people for a better life. "I was impressed by your in- terest in the world around you and the care you show for your community, especially regard- ing poverty," she said. "Your education is crucial for securing meaningful jobs that will support your families. As the leaders of tomorrow, it's essential that you become a beacon of integrity and jus- tice." Upcoming art exhibition to benefit Dr Klown A unique art exhibition, featuring the ex- traordinary talents of young students aged six to 14 under the guidance of art teacher Sue Gregory is being held at The Phoeni- cia Hotel in Floriana from 28 November to 1 December. FRIDAY, 29 November will be an exclu- sive invitation-only event. THIS exhibition will showcase the fa- vourite pieces of each young artist, which they generously donated to be sold, with all proceeds going to support Dr Klown (Malta), a NGO dedicated to bringing joy to hospitalised children through the magic of clown therapy. ART lovers, supporters of Dr Klown, and the general public is invited to visit this special exhibition and experience the re- markable creativity of these young talents, all while supporting a heartwarming cause.