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1. Governance

2. Cross-sectorial cooperation

Governance

Youth participation in global processes of policy-making, implementation, and follow-up in Malta involves a range of governmental and non-governmental actors. The main governmental authority responsible for youth policy is Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, the national youth agency operating within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation. The agency is responsible for implementing Malta’s National Youth Policy and supporting programmes that encourage young people’s participation at national, European, and global levels. Through its initiatives and international partnerships, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ promotes youth engagement in global issues such as sustainable development, intercultural dialogue, and international cooperation. 

Other public actors also contribute to youth engagement in global policy processes. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism plays a key role in Malta’s international relations and global cooperation initiatives, including engagement with international organisations such as the United Nations. The UN Youth Delegate Programme in Malta, for example, involves direct cooperation between the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ. Through this programme, Maltese youth representatives participate in United Nations forums, contributing to discussions on sustainable development, youth participation, human rights, and global cooperation. Malta’s sustainable development agenda is coordinated by the Sustainable Development Directorate, which oversees national implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and youth engagement initiatives such as the SDG Youth Champions programme. Non-public actors, such as the National Youth Council of Malta and civil society organisations including Malta UNESCO Youth Organisation, Kopin, and AIESEC Malta, provide additional opportunities for young people to engage with global development, human rights, and international cooperation initiatives.

In terms of governance structure, youth policy and international youth cooperation in Malta are primarily coordinated at the national level. Malta does not have a regional government system comparable to larger countries, so the development and implementation of youth policy initiatives are mainly managed by national authorities and agencies. Local councils, schools, and youth organisations often support the implementation of initiatives at community level, particularly in awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and youth engagement activities related to global issues and sustainable development.

Cross-sectorial cooperation

Cross-sectoral cooperation plays an important role in supporting youth participation in global processes and international cooperation initiatives in Malta. Collaboration between government ministries, public agencies, and civil society organisations ensures that youth perspectives are considered in policies related to international development, education, sustainability, and global citizenship.

For example, initiatives linked to the Sustainable Development Goals involve cooperation between the Sustainable Development Directorate, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, and youth organisations such as the National Youth Council of Malta, particularly in programmes such as the SDG Youth Champions initiative and youth consultations linked to Malta’s Voluntary National Reviews on the 2030 Agenda. These initiatives strengthen youth engagement in global development discussions and encourage young people to contribute to national and international sustainability efforts.

Cross-sectoral cooperation also occurs through youth participation mechanisms linked to international organisations. The UN Youth Delegate Programme is an example of a coordinated effort between the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, actors to prepare youth representatives for participation in United Nations forums. These young delegates contribute to discussions on global issues such as sustainable development, climate action, and youth participation in international decision-making.

Additionally, youth engagement in global issues is supported through education and international mobility programmes implemented by schools, universities, youth organisations, and government agencies. These initiatives often involve cooperation between ministries responsible for youth, education, and international relations, as well as partnerships with civil society organisations working on global citizenship, sustainable development, and development education.