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1. Main concepts

2. Youth interest in global issues

Main concepts

The increasing interconnectedness of societies, economies and cultures means that young people are growing up in a rapidly changing global environment where international developments increasingly shape their opportunities, responsibilities and perspectives. Globalisation, digital communication and increased mobility have expanded opportunities for young people to engage with global issues, while also exposing them to challenges such as climate change, migration, social inequalities and geopolitical instability.

In Malta, youth policy emphasises the empowerment and active participation of young people in society, including their engagement with global issues. Empowerment is understood as recognising the dignity, individuality and rights of every young person and supporting them in developing the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to participate actively in democratic life and decision-making processes. This approach promotes respect for human rights, gender equality, social inclusion and responsible citizenship while encouraging young people to contribute to their communities and to broader global development goals.

Malta recognises the importance of supporting young people in developing global awareness and intercultural understanding, particularly given the country’s geographic position in the Mediterranean and its strong engagement in international cooperation. Within this context, national youth policy encourages young people to engage with global challenges and opportunities through education, volunteering, intercultural dialogue and international youth cooperation initiatives.

Global engagement initiatives increasingly align with international frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which guide global action on sustainable development, human rights, environmental protection and social inclusion. The Maltese government promotes awareness of these goals through national sustainable development initiatives and youth participation platforms.

One such initiative is the SDG Youth Champions initiative, launched through collaboration between the Ministry responsible for the environment, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, and the National Youth Council of Malta. The initiative selects young people who are committed to sustainability and provides them with the opportunity to advocate for Malta’s Sustainable Development Strategy goals, raise awareness among their peers and promote youth engagement in sustainable development initiatives. 

Young people are also involved in Malta’s international reporting and policy processes related to sustainable development. For example, during Malta’s preparation of its Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, young participants were invited to take part in discussions and consultations on progress and future challenges related to the SDGs. Contributions from the SDG Youth Champions and Malta’s UN Youth Delegate were included in the national reporting process presented at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum. 

Through these mechanisms, Maltese young people are encouraged to engage directly with global policy agendas and contribute to discussions on sustainable development, environmental protection and social inclusion.

Youth interest in global issues

There are limited national surveys specifically measuring trends in young people’s interest in global issues in Malta. Earlier research, such as the study The Participation of Maltese Young People in the Voluntary Sector (2012), highlighted challenges faced by voluntary organisations in attracting sustained youth participation and noted that many organisations lacked the administrative and financial resources required to access international funding opportunities.

Despite the limited availability of national data, several initiatives and youth organisations provide opportunities for Maltese young people to engage with global issues such as human rights, sustainable development and international cooperation. The National Youth Council of Malta plays an important role in representing Maltese youth organisations at European and international level and facilitates youth participation in international policy discussions and cooperation initiatives.

Young people in Malta also participate in global dialogue through organisations such as the Malta UNESCO Youth Organisation, which promotes youth awareness and engagement in global citizenship, cultural dialogue and sustainable development. The Malta Model United Nations Society (MaltMUN) provides opportunities for young people to debate international policy issues through simulations of United Nations processes and international diplomacy.

Government-supported initiatives also encourage youth engagement with global sustainability and development agendas. For example, the Sustainable Development Action Awards, coordinated by the government’s Sustainable Development Directorate, include a Youth Leadership Award category recognising young people aged 13–30 who demonstrate leadership in advancing sustainable development initiatives. 

In addition, youth-focused environmental and sustainability programmes organised by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ encourage young people to engage with global challenges such as climate change and environmental protection. Initiatives such as the SDG Champions programme, environmental learning activities and youth engagement platforms aim to empower young people to act as sustainability advocates within their communities. 

Young people in Malta also engage with global issues through international mobility, volunteering and education programmes, particularly those supported through European initiatives. In this regard although systematic national data remains limited, the continued development of youth participation initiatives, sustainable development programmes and international youth cooperation opportunities indicates that Maltese young people are increasingly exposed to and engaged with global challenges such as sustainable development, climate action, human rights and international cooperation.