There has, perhaps in living memory, never been such a momentous time for economic policy at the level of international co-ordination, and for the role which social dialogue can play within this context, especially within the special role afforded to it within the European milieu. We as Maltese, EU citizens and players in the world market-place, continue to face major global challenges of competitiveness, pension reform, and greening the economy, of which we have now been aware for quite some time. These are however now being compounded by the pressures of economic recession and unsustainable fiscal positions, in turn threatening to create and accentuate other problems such as income disparities and poverty.

I think that these thoughts are common to most, and probably all, actors involved in policy-making and social dialogue across the EU and beyond its borders. These

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Intervention by Dr Chris Said,
Parliamentary Secretary

Enhancing the Contribution of Social Dialogue in Malta

Malta has a tradition of social and civil dialogue involving Government, Unions, Employers and Civil Society. Within the context of the smallness of the country, resource limitations and social proximity, the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) has served as a formal avenue for such dialogue in Malta.

The MCESD is an advisory council that issues opinions and recommendations to the Maltese government on economic and social matters of a national interest.  It is also a forum where the government consults Unions, Employers and Civil society on such matters. The MCESD strives to continuously improve Social Dialogue in Malta with the aim of improving the soundness and credibility of policy formulation and implementation.