Malta Council for Economic and Social Development
The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) is an advisory council that issues opinions and recommendations to the Maltese government on matters of economic and social relevance. In view of this, the MCESD's vision is one of continuous improvement of Social Dialogue.
MCESD strives to be the most effective catalyst between the Social Partners and the Government., with the aim that, following consultations held within the Council, sound and concrete recommendations about socioeconomic matters will be heeded by the Government prior to any reforms or measures of relevance.
The Malta Chamber is represented by President Stefano Mallia, Deputy President Mr. William Wait and Board of Management member Mr. John Huber. The retaining of four representatives following the merger is evidence of the reputable standing held by both organisations, and now the merged organisation itself. The fact that the Malta Chamber nominates its highest officials for this role underlines the organisation’s high regard to the role played by MCESD.
2012
Ethics and Values in Social and Civil Dialogue and the Role of the Media
Malta Chamber Executive Miss Lorrieann Vella attended a seminar on Ethics and Values in Social and Civil Dialogue and the Role of the Media, part of a series of seminars within the Closer to Europe project organised by MCESD. The key speaker for the seminar was Dr Michaela Moser, who has long-standing work experience in NGO management, PR, lobbying and public affairs management.
The seminar gave an overview of key principles and questions related to the role of the media in social and civil dialogue. It also covered a number of ethical and practical issues related to media work and explored how the media could be best used to build public support for economic issues such as competitiveness and social issues like employment rights and responsibilities, addressing poverty and social inclusion, without reinforcing stereotypes or creating further stigma or sensationalism.
The event also explored how different interest groups engage the media and strive to build their case in the most prominent way, as well as the benefits derived from social and civil society to include an open communication with the media.
2011
Policy Understanding and Policy Implementation Skills
As part of the Malta Chamber’s involvement in the MCESD project, Closer to Europe, Executives Ms Marylyn Hili and Ms Lorrieann Vella attended a training course on Policy Understanding and Policy Implementation Skills this week. The key speaker and trainer was Mr. Joseph Gerada, CEO of the Foundation for Human Resources Development.
The first part of the seminar dealt with the concept of well-being and building a policy. Theaim was to draw a general frame about what is well-being and how this concept works in society. Malta’s welfare standards were also discussed, as well as the necessity of policies to ensure social cohesion. The second part of the seminar focused on social rights in Europe and pursuing well-being standards, by looking at how social rights are promoted through European policies.
Closer to Europe Focus Groups
The Malta Chamber participated in a research focus group session organized by MCESD as part of its “Closer to Europe” project. The session was held on 4th February and the Malta Chamber was represented by Board of Management Officer Mr. Anthony J. Tabone and Director General Mr. Kevin J. Borg.
Participants were addressed by Professor Mario Vassallo who gave a presentation on "Social and Civil Dialogue" and findings of a related quantitative survey conducted amongst the general public. During his address, he echoed the Malta Chamber’s continued remarks on this on-going project that the qualitative research should have preceded the quantitative.
Further to Prof Vassallo's presentations, participants were divided into 4 different groups. Here the Malta Chamber contended that it is in Malta’s interest that social and civil dialogue take place simultaneously but separately with the two processes aligning themselves at regular intervals in an effective and well managed communication process from which policy-takers can receive guidance.