PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS Launch of the first edition of Sustainable Development Action Awards

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli launched the first edition of the Sustainable Development Action Awards during a national conference on Malta's second Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the conference, Minister Miriam Dalli emphasised the importance of everyone's involvement in sustainable development governance. “These awards are an acknowledgement that sustainable development is a collective effort that depends on the commitment and collaboration of all the individuals and sectors of society. Various awards will be given to recognise projects and initiatives in favour of sustainability,” stated Dr Dalli. 

This conference brought together public officials, representatives from the private sector, academics, as well as voluntary organisations, and served as a platform for the exchange of successful initiatives, challenges and opportunities in relation to the implementation of the 17 SDGs. This event was instrumental in further strengthening our country’s commitment to sustainability.

From her end, Francine Pace Caruana, Director for Sustainable Development, stated that “the VNR process is an opportunity for us to measure progress and discuss challenges in the implementation of the SDGs. The VNR is an important tool for implementing an integrated whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” 

Malta will be presenting the VNR in the coming days in New York during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Through collaboration with the National Statistics Office, Malta has strengthened the collection and monitoring of data from the first VNR, leading to a more comprehensive and accurate analysis of Malta's progress in all SDGs.

Malta's Sustainable Development Action Awards are open to individuals, voluntary organisations, journalists, young people, schools, academics, public institutions and businesses. Applications are open until 8 August 2025. Further information is available on sustainabledevelopment.gov.mt.