CLIMATE ACTION IN MALTA

Press Release

Two youth-led projects focusing on the Msida community have received funding under the European Commission’s DEAR Programme through the SUBLIME project. The initiatives will run from June to December 2025 and are the EcoXperience by the National Youth Council of Malta and Root, Repair, Reconnect by Friends of the Earth Malta.

Msida, an urban area facing challenges such as traffic congestion and limited open and green spaces, is the central focus of these grassroots efforts. Both projects will run youth-centric events and workshops in Msida over the next six months, designed to empower young people not only for the duration of the project but to build their capacity to continue being engaged in the years to come. These activities seek to develop youth champions who will continue to drive sustainable change within their communities and beyond.

With the support of the Msida Local Council and Kopin, the two youth NGOs had the opportunity to present and discuss their projects with local representatives. The contract signing ceremony, held on 27th May, was officiated by Mayor Charles Selvaggi and Executive Secretary Josette Micallef.

The initiative led by the National Youth Council of Malta offers hands-on, non-formal learning opportunities focused on environmental action. This approach culminates in a major youth-led fair featuring information stands, debates and discussions, providing a dynamic platform for young people to engage, express their views and raise awareness within the community. Meanwhile, Root, Repair, Reconnect organises workshops that encourage sustainable consumption by teaching participants how to repair and reuse everyday items. It also fosters intercultural dialogue through nature walks and promotes sustainable transport through the creation of a digital bicycle lane booklet, highlighting eco-friendly mobility options.

Participants have already begun their journey with an exploration of the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) through online training sessions, connecting and learning inspiring stories from peers across 11 countries. The IDGs complement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda 2030 by emphasising the importance of personal skills as a critical component for driving and sustaining societal change. The connections established with international youth will be strengthened during an upcoming exchange in Lampedusa in late September this year. This event will be providing a platform to share ideas, experiences and best practices in sustainability and social equity as the youth implement their solutions at the local level.

Background Information

The SUBLIME project – SDGs Uniting Border communities as Leaders of Inclusiveness, Mobilisation, and Empoerment, is coordinated in Malta by the local NGO Kopin in partnership with the Msida Local Council. SUBLIME is a four-year project co funded through The European Union’s DEAR (Development Education and Awareness Raising) Programme designed to engage local communities in meaningful sustainability actions and raise awareness about global interdependence, promoting international cooperation. By empowering youth and strengthening partnerships between civil society and local governments, SUBLIME aims to create a ripple effect through local grassroot actions onto global levels.

For more information, please contact:

Eman Borg | 356 99121148 | eman.borg@kopin.org