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6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 AUGUST 2025 COMMERCIAL Shaping tomorrow: EY future realised returns to chart Malta's path in a changing Europe EY's Future Realised 2025 is more than Malta's leading economic forum. It is a trust- ed platform for high-level dia- logue, convening the country's most influential voices alongside global leaders to explore Malta's strategic direction in a rapidly evolving world. Now in its 21st edition, EY's Future Realised returns to the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta on October 22nd. From govern- ment and opposition leaders to European institutions, inves- tors, CEOs and academics, Fu- ture Realised offers a rare space where diverse voices engage constructively on Malta's future and its role in Europe's compet- itiveness. As in previous years, the con- ference will feature insights from EY's Malta Attractiveness Survey, a vital barometer of in- vestor sentiment and business confidence. In its 21st iteration, this survey continues to provide hard data on how Malta is per- ceived as a destination for in- vestment, offering a pulse check that helps frame strategic de- cision-making at both national and firm level. What sets the 2025 edition apart is its forward-focused agenda, one that addresses emerging forces reshaping econ- omies and labour markets across Europe and beyond. At the heart of the programme are three central themes that re- flect the challenges and oppor- tunities facing Malta and the EU bloc more broadly: 1. Malta's Economic Model: What's Next? With long-term growth in fo- cus, this theme invites a candid conversation on Malta's invest- ment outlook and its evolving value proposition. Discussions will examine how the country must adapt its economic model to remain resilient and globally competitive, with an eye toward Vision 2050 and the shifting de- mands of sustainable growth. 2. AI Agents and the Redesign of Business and Work As artificial intelligence moves from hype to implementation, this theme explores how gen- erative AI and autonomous agents are transforming sectors, reshaping labour needs, and re- defining productivity across the EU. The conversation will go be- yond automation to examine the future of work and what Malta must do to lead in a digital-first world. 3. Global Trade and Invest- ment: Where Do Malta and Europe Fit? Against the backdrop of ge- opolitical flux and realigned global supply chains, this theme delves into the EU's evolving po- sition in global trade and capital flows. With Malta situated at the crossroads of multiple regions, the discussion will focus on how the country can leverage its con- nectivity, agility, and policy en- vironment to stay relevant in a fractured global economy. These headline themes will be complemented by focused breakout sessions exploring five enabling priorities: • Build – Addressing infra- structure gaps critical to growth • Share – Rethinking shared service and infrastructure models • Engage – Adopting AI and emerging technologies at scale • Generate – Aligning edu- cation and skills with fu- ture demand • Change – Embedding sus- tainability into long-term strategy These themes will be brought to life through contributions from a diverse set of speakers, in- cluding senior European leaders, central bankers, ambassadors, investors and policymakers, many of whom have partici- pated in past editions. Over the years, Future Realised has be- come Malta's flagship forum for setting direction at a time when clarity, competitiveness, and ex- ecution matter most. By Simon Barberi, EY Attrac- tiveness Survey and EU Consult- ing Leader, EY Malta Join the conversation. Help shape what comes next. Register now: Malta Future Realised 2025 | EY - Global Children share their Vision for Malta in 2050 OVER a hundred children gath- ered at Esplora Interactive Sci- ence Centre for 'Il-Ħolma għat- Tfal għal Viżjoni Malta 2050' — a special event held as part of the national Malta Vision 2050 consultation process. The event provided a creative and inclusive platform for children to share their ideas and hopes for Malta they would like to grow up in. The event was honoured by the presence of Former President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Pre- ca, and Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innova- tion, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, who both engaged with the children and praised their insightful con- tributions. Parliamentary Secretary Az- zopardi Tanti emphasised the importance of including young people in shaping national policy, stating: "Today we've seen that children are not only capable of imagining a better Malta — they are eager to help build it. The Mal- ta Vision 2050 process must re- flect their creativity, their sense of justice, and their desire for a more sustainable, inclusive future. Their voices matter, and they deserve to be heard." Former President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca echoed this senti- ment with a powerful call to ac- tion: "Our children are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are active citizens today. Their ideas reflect the kind of Malta we should all strive for: greener, safer, and more inclusive. This initiative is a meaningful step toward inter- generational dialogue and shared responsibility. We must contin- ue to empower our children to dream, to speak, and to shape the future of our nation." Roberta Albanese Dalli from the Malta Vision 2050 team remarked the intelligent and highly detailed feedback, which clearly shows our future relies on a strong founda- tion of the upcoming generation. Held in a vibrant and playful set- ting, the afternoon was filled with live science shows, hands-on ac- tivities, and interactive workshops — all designed to inspire young participants to think about the future through exploration, imag- ination, and dialogue. The children expressed a wide range of thoughtful and passion- ate ideas, many of which reflect- ed strong values of sustainability, community, and fairness. Their collective vision included a call for more nature, trees, and green spaces, alongside eco-friendly transport options and fewer cars. They wished for more pedestri- anised areas and safer streets, cleaner air with less pollution, and open, child-friendly spaces where they can play and explore safely. Many also asked for better wages and opportunities for everyone, less construction and overdevel- opment, and greater cultural ap- preciation and respect for diver- sity. They called for a safer Malta fea- turing less bullying and stronger enforcement against drug use. The children also highlighted the importance of more accessibility and inclusivity for people of all abilities, inspired by countries like Holland, Switzerland, and Spain. Additionally, they envisioned a metro system, equal opportuni- ties, and more shade and comfort in public spaces — demonstrat- ing mature and forward-thinking awareness of both environmental and social challenges. The event underscored the im- portance of listening to young voices in national policymaking. As part of Malta Vision 2050, this initiative aims to ensure that plan- ning for the country's future is inclusive and reflective of the val- ues, needs, and dreams of all gen- erations. Families, educators, and policymakers were encouraged by the depth of the children's con- tributions — a powerful remind- er that the youngest members of society are often among the most insightful when given the oppor- tunity to be heard. The public consultation runs till 9th September and feedback can be submitted on envision2050. gov.mt