The Climate Action Authority is determined to give a strong voice to children in the design and implementation of its initiatives. This was a clear message when, on Monday morning, over 130 students gathered for the Eco-Schools 13th Young People’s Summit, an initiative held in collaboration with Nature Trust FEE Malta. The participating students, who attend different schools across the country, were given a platform to express their views on the future with an emphasis on the environment and climate action. The Climate Action Authority’s intention is to ensure that the many ideas and important points discussed about climate change do not fade away just because the activity has ended. Work has already begun on publishing a book inspired by the very ideas put forward by the children during this event. The aim of this publication is not only to serve as an educational tool but also to send a clear message that, with determination, one can bring about positive change.

This book will eventually be distributed in schools. The recommendations proposed by the students will also be discussed in a motion in Parliament during the nineteenth session of the EcoSkola Parliament, which Nature Trust FEE Malta organises annually under the patronage of the Speaker of the House Dr. Anġlu Farrugia. Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Public Cleansing, Miriam Dalli, and Minister for Education, Sports, Research, and Innovation Clifton Grima also joined the students in a series of workshops to listen directly to the students’ ideas and proposals.

Minister Miriam Dalli explained how one of the goals of the Climate Action Authority is to provide space for children’s ideas so that these ideas become part of the country’s policies. “I am filled with courage and optimism when I see the activism of so many children who choose to give their time, including at school, to work towards a better environment,” said Minister Dalli. She outlined the changes being made in various areas, including the energy sector and projects for open spaces, and while she said that these are large and ambitious projects, there are choices we can make in everyday life that can also make a difference. Minister Clifton Grima emphasised that, “As a country, we have the understanding that children are not only our future, but they are also an important part of the present we are living. We heard from several students who were given this opportunity through EkoSkola to express their thoughts on the environment, climate change, and what they wish to see Malta achieve so they can live in a better society. We gave this platform, which will eventually be seen in Parliament, where we will be gathering our children’s ideas. Above all, we will work to implement these ideas.”

The session was also addressed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Action Authority, Ing. Abigail Cutajar, and Mr. Vincent Attard, President of Nature Trust FEE Malta. Cutajar reiterated that the students, particularly those participating in EkoSkola activities, are considered very important partners in the work the Authority needs to do. Vincent Attard of Nature Trust FEE Malta said, “The EkoSkola program was intended from the beginning to give a voice to children. It was launched at a time when there was still the idea that children were too young to understand the consequences of the choices we make every day. Today, more than twenty years later, we can say that this goal was not only achieved but surpassed. The children of EkoSkola are not only concerned but have practical solutions that they are implementing in schools and communities where they live. Today is another occasion where, thanks to the CAA, we have again brought together children of different ages to continue telling us what concerns them and what actions need to be taken. Nature Trust FEE Malta feels it is a moral obligation for children and young people to participate in the discussion since they will be affected by the decisions that will be taken.”

Meanwhile, during the same activity, student Luke DeBono was recognised for his achievement when he won third place in the international competition Children’s Eye on Earth.