Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543797
MALTA'S Vision 2050 sets out a clear ambition: Build a resilient country supported by a modern education system and a work- force equipped for the oppor- tunities and challenges of the future. As technological advance- ment, artificial intelligence and the green transition continue to reshape economies worldwide, preparing people with the right skills will be central to Malta's long-term prosperity. Education continues to be one of the most important invest- ments a nation can make in its fu- ture prosperity and development. As industries evolve and new sectors emerge, the education system must continue adapting to ensure that learners develop the knowledge, skills and mind- set required for the future world of work. Greater emphasis on STEM subjects, stronger vocational pathways and closer alignment between education and emerg- ing industries will help ensure Malta's talent base continues to support the country's economic ambitions. Equally important is the de- velopment of transversal skills, including critical thinking, cre- ativity, communication, adapt- ability and collaboration. These human capabilities are increas- ingly essential in a rapidly chang- ing world shaped by automation and artificial intelligence. By strengthening these competen- cies across formal, non-formal and informal learning environ- ments, Malta can build a gener- ation that is not only skilled, but resilient. Globally, we are witnessing rap- id development that is changing the need of an upskilled work- force. Technological advance- ments, the growing use of artifi- cial intelligence and the transition towards a greener economy are reshaping industries and rede- fining labour market skills. For Malta, preparing the workforce for these developments is an economic priority and part of achieving the ambitions outlined in Malta's Vision 2050. In this context, adaptability, lifelong learning and continuous skills development are essential. The National Employment Policy highlights that the future labour market will require workers who can adapt to technological and economic shifts while continuing to strengthen their knowledge and capabilities throughout their careers. Digital competencies form an important part of this evolving landscape. Digital literacy is no longer confined to specialised professions but has become a foundational capability across many sectors. At the same time, the transition towards a more sustainable economy is creat- ing demand for environmental sustainability and responsible business practices. Demand for skilled workers is also increasing in people-centred sectors such as health and social care, reflecting Malta's evolving demographic realities. Jobsplus offers over 100 accred- ited and non-accredited courses accessible to jobseekers, employ- ees and businesses seeking to up- skill or reskill. Recent additions place particular emphasis on dig- ital, green and care-related skills, reflecting national and European priorities. Alongside technical knowl- edge, transversal competencies such as communication, prob- lem-solving, teamwork and ad- aptability remain valuable across sectors, helping individuals nav- igate evolving career paths and respond to new workplace chal- lenges. Beyond training provision, Job- splus also manages initiatives encouraging investment in skills development. Through the In- vesting in Skills Scheme and the MySkills Scheme, employers and individuals are supported in strengthening competencies and enhancing employability. Together with other on-the-job initiatives under the Training for Employment project, these programmes—co-funded by the EU through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)—represent an investment of approximately €20 million in strengthening Malta's skills base. Preparing the workforce for these exigencies requires collabo- ration across the board. Jobsplus works closely with the education ministry and other stakeholders to strengthen the alignment be- tween education, training and emerging skills needs. THE Criminal Court has re- affirmed that there are strict criteria for a successful claim of self-defence to be made un- der Maltese criminal law. Even where a dispute exists, a per- son who initiates or escalates a confrontation cannot rely on self-defence when the threat was avoidable. This was held by Magistrate Monica Vella on 3 March 2026 in the case The Police vs Leon- ard Pace. The man had been charged following an alterca- tion with his brother in March 2023. The incident happened with- in the context of a long-stand- ing family dispute relating to inheritance. The property where the incident occurred had belonged to their parents and was inherited by the three brothers. On the day before, a neigh- bour had informed the brother who fell victim to the attack that paint was falling onto his showroom located beneath the property. The next day, the brother went to inspect the premises with the neighbour, but found the terrace door locked from inside with chains. The accused then came down from the property, approached his brother and a physical con- frontation ensued. According to the testimony of the injured party, the ac- cused approached him directly and struck him with a punch. He also claimed that this initial blow was followed by a series of punches and kicks, which continued despite people nearby shouting at the accused to stop. The victim explained that he tried to defend himself but his ability to do so was se- verely limited because he suf- fers from approximately 80% disability in his hands. Wit- nesses eventually intervened, and an ambulance was called. The victim also testified that he and his brother had not been on speaking terms for several years. The accused gave a markedly different account of the events leading to the altercation. He testified that on the morning of 11 March 2023, he was inside the house with his girlfriend preparing to leave for a job in- terview. While getting ready, he heard loud banging and rat- tling noises coming from the door, which suggested to him that someone was attempting to force it open. When he went out onto the balcony to inves- tigate, he saw his brother near the door. According to the ac- cused, his brother appeared agitated and aggressive and continued trying to force the door open despite allegedly having a key that could open it. The accused stated that he asked his brother what he wanted and told him that if there was a problem, he should call the police. The accused re- turned inside. Approximately 15 minutes later, the accused and his girl- friend left the property. When he opened the door, he noticed his brother sitting in a car parked opposite the house and looking in his direction. The accused said that he crossed the road towards his brother to ask him why he had been banging on the door earlier. According to the accused's version of events, the con- frontation escalated when his brother allegedly spat at him and grabbed him by his neck and began striking him. The accused maintained that dur- ing the scuffle he suffered sev- eral injuries himself, including a broken tooth, cuts and bruis- ing to his back. The defence argued that the accused's actions were a reac- tion to aggression initiated by his brother, and thus should be considered legitimate self-de- fence. The prosecution relied on several pieces of evidence, in- cluding witness testimony and a video recording of the fight taken by a bystander. The court rejected the de- fence's argument of legitimate self-defence, holding that the accused voluntarily ap- proached the victim, who was sitting in his car. The court argued that the confrontation was not inevi- table or necessary to prevent harm—the accused had the option of simply leaving the scene rather than confronting his brother. Therefore, the essential el- ements required for self-de- fence—unjust aggression, immediacy, inevitability and proportionality—were not sat- isfied. The court concluded that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding the accused guilty of all charges and sentencing him to one year imprisonment sus- pended for two years. The court also issued a one- year restraining order in fa- vour of the brother and against the accused. 8 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 MARCH 2026 OPINION & LAW Court outlines the elements of self defence MALCOLM MIFSUD Mifsud & Mifsud Advocates Clifton Grima & Byron Camilleri Grima is education minister and Camilleri is home affairs and jobs minister Transforming education: Preparing for tomorrow's skills Preparing the workforce for these exigencies requires collaboration across the board