PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL PERMANENT SECRETARY The Public Service recognises the work of public officials who excelled in their duties

Yesterday, Saturday 21st June, during a ceremony held under the patronage of Her Excellency President Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, public officials who distinguished themselves in their duties throughout 2024 were recognised and awarded.

This event coincides with the upcoming United Nations Public Service Day, which will be commemorated on the 23rd of June.

In his address, the Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana, stated that the full picture of the Public Administration is larger than what people can observe from the outside. “Public officers must be the ones to earn society's respect. The truth is that the vast majority of public service employees face real challenges in their daily work and play an important role in many areas of society." He concluded his speech by urging public officials to always be proud of their work, because they are not just doing a job – they are making a difference in people's daily lives. It is hard to imagine our country without Public Service employees.

The awards presented during the evening included:

The Quality Award was given to Servizzi Ewropej Malta (SEM) for achieving the highest results in terms of service quality. Additionally, the Public Registry of Identità, the Senior Citizens' Service Centre, the National Literacy Agency, and the Victim Support Agency were awarded the Quality Label.

The Best Practice in Good Governance Award was awarded to the Malta Statistics Authority. An audit by the National Audit Office (NAO) noted that the authority operates with strong internal controls and practices, with an emphasis on accountability and transparency – principles that promote effective governance.

The Best Digital Solution Award went to the National Cybersecurity Steering Committee (NCSC), which serves as the national authority for cybersecurity. Its functions include acting as a point of reference for all, convening stakeholders regularly, serving as a governance body for the National Cybersecurity Strategy, ensuring its implementation, and assisting various entities. The committee also provides coordinated responses to cybersecurity incidents and includes representatives from different ministries and entities.

The Climate Impact Award was given to the Public Abattoir for its significant efforts to mitigate climate change through various initiatives. These included reducing material waste by repurposing products, installing an energy-generating system, restoring a historical water tower, and implementing an energy monitoring system. A UV bottle steriliser was also introduced to reduce hot water use by 80%, and the water heating system was transformed from one based on light fuel oil to a hybrid and gas system.

The Inclusion Award was presented to the Malta Enterprise IT team. This team made notable efforts to create and maintain an inclusive work environment that promotes equal opportunities for all employees. Through their collaboration and dedication, they demonstrated a strong commitment to embracing diversity and ensuring that every individual receives the support and opportunities needed to thrive within the public service. A key member, Mr Kurt Tonna, showed exceptional commitment to promoting inclusion and accessibility, even while facing personal challenges.

The Role Model Award was presented to Police Constable Mr Hertian Vassallo, who is part of the community policing team. Mr Vassallo was described as a highly principled officer who fosters innovation, inclusion, and team spirit wherever he serves. He also mentors new officers and helps them in their careers while proactively working to anticipate difficult situations. He leads with compassion, practices empathy, and upholds strong social values.

The Inspiring Social Responsibility Award was awarded to the Family Community School Link (FCSL) within the Ministry for Education. This school-based initiative brings together families, schools, and local communities. The programme encourages inclusive participation, partnerships, and collaboration that lead to long-term positive change. Launched in October last year, around 105 parents have already benefitted from this social programme.

The Project of the Year Award was awarded to the Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS), which opened its doors to the public late last year. MICAS positions Malta as a proactive player in the international contemporary art world. It aims to raise public awareness of the value of visual arts in contemporary life and highlights how art and artists contribute to interpreting the world we live in. The MICAS project included the restoration of historic fortifications in Floriana and the former Hospice complex, once used as a gunpowder magazine during the time of the Knights.

The Team Recognition Award was presented to the team from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade for organising the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council held in Malta. The Council, held between 5^th and 6^th December last year, brought together foreign ministers from 57 countries, including the United States, Russia, and Ukraine. The work of around 600 public officers was coordinated to ensure the event's success. In addition to the local organisation, valuable diplomatic work was carried out throughout the year by Malta's representation to the OSCE in Vienna. It is also noteworthy that around 200 international journalists were accredited for the Malta event.

During the evening, the Outstanding Effort Award was also presented by Head of the Public Service Tony Sultana to the Cancer Pathways Directorate at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre (SAMOC). Cancer care services in Malta encompass the entire patient journey – from first suspicion of cancer, through diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The Directorate, operating under the General Director of Health Services, was established with a clear mission: to continuously improve the care and experience of cancer patients in Malta. This is made possible by a full multidisciplinary team within SAMOC – including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, technical staff, administrative personnel, and quality assurance teams – all working with full dedication to provide top-level care to patients and their families. In recent years, several initiatives and innovative services have been introduced, significantly enhancing care quality and patient experience.