President George Vella announced the setting up of Foundation for National Unity in his closing address delivered during the ‘State of the Nation’ national conference.
He explained that the aim behind the foundation was to address in a tangible way “what still needs to be done to reduce divisions among us.” The areas identified in this regard range from the environment to journalism, education, political partisanship, and others.
The ‘State of the Nation’ national conference, discussing how the Maltese nation is evolving, was held on Friday. The results of the survey conducted in recent weeks were presented and discussed during the day conference. During the meeting, 24 speakers from different walks of life divided into six thematic discussions, as well as Prime Minister Robert Abela and Leader of the Opposition Bernard Grech, took part.
President George Vella announced the setting up of Foundation for National Unity in his closing address delivered during the ‘State of the Nation’ national conference.
He explained that the aim behind the foundation was to address in a tangible way “what still needs to be done to reduce divisions among us.” The areas identified in this regard range from the environment to journalism, education, political partisanship, and others.
The ‘State of the Nation’ national conference, discussing how the Maltese nation is evolving, was held on Friday. The results of the survey conducted in recent weeks were presented and discussed during the day conference. During the meeting, 24 speakers from different walks of life divided into six thematic discussions, as well as Prime Minister Robert Abela and Leader of the Opposition Bernard Grech, took part.
The initiative is being taken by statistician and university lecturer Vincent Marmarà and strategic communication consultant Lou Bondì in collaboration with the Office of the President.
“Today we have put ourselves under the microscope. Such educational conferences are definitely going to benefit our country, and I will continue to build on what has already been achieved. My hope is that, even through discussions like today’s, we will also start to convey a sense of a united community through the word ‘nation’. I am sure that everything that we have heard today will spark informed discussions in the various areas of our society, and perhaps also give rise to ideas or lead to decisions aimed at increasing the wealth and unity between all of us people of Malta and Gozo,” said the President.
Our nation should be proud – Abela
Addressing the ‘State of the Nation’ national conference, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the nation should be proud as he condemned those who ‘badmouth’ the country. He remarked that each country has its shortcomings, and added that he was not surprised with the results of the survey. Abela observed that the family remains a cornerstone of the society.
Reflecting on the coronavirus pandemic, Abela said that hadn’t the government taken timely action, the country would be in the same situation as other countries.
He remarked that upskilling is crucial for the future, and that education is key and one has to keep studying beyond compulsory education. Furthermore, Abela explained that the government’s vision is one of a pro-market environment without leaving anyone behind.
For the country to move forward, we need less partisan politics – Grech
For the country to move forward, we need less partisan politics, Opposition leader Bernard Grech said in his State of the Nation address.
Grech observed that while politicians can bring about positive change in a country, the harm inflicted by ‘mistakes’ is not resolved when a politician quits politics. He added that while he has only been eight months in politics, he has the advantage of having a different perspective.
The Opposition leader said that the weeds have to be removed, and what is good has to be cultivated and allowed to flourish.
During his address, Grech also referred to the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and observed that those behind the murder had access to the corridors of power. “The investigations moved ahead despite the institutions,” Grech said.
“The State of our nation is demanding justice and the whole truth,” he stated.
In his speech Grech called for state financing of political parties as well as strict control by a proper broadcasting watchdog over TV stations owned by political parties.
Source: Newsbook
