Paying the price of progress: President says environment, sustainability should be defended

Whoever is leading the country should consider all factors that affect the country's progress, President Myriam Spiteri Debono said in her Christmas message.As citizens, we should all be doing our part, give a full day's work and take notice of what

By: independent.com.mt

Dec 24 2024
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Paying the price of progress:

Whoever is leading the country should consider all factors that affect the country's progress, President Myriam Spiteri Debono said in her Christmas message.

As citizens, we should all be doing our part, give a full day's work and take notice of what is happening around us, in particular of people who are in difficulty.

"The safeguarding of the natural and urban environment, the open spaces and the countryside, the sustainability of economi and infrastructural growth, and the protection of fundamental rights are important elements, and it is us citizens who should be the first to defend them, she said.

She recalled that the year which is about to end saw Malta celebrate 60 years of Independence, 50 years since becoming a republic, and 20 years of European membership. From a past made up of sacrifices we are moving towards a future that depends on what we do, collectively. "This is an important step for the people to mature in a democratic context," she said.

She highlighted Malta's participation in foreign fora, saying that Malta has played its part towards peace at a time when we are not too far away from two conflict zones, the war in Ukraine and the war in the Middle East. "Malta was, is and will be at the forefront to promote peace and dialogue that leads to a compromise to stop atrocities," she said.

She said that each year brings with is certain challenges and opportunities, which are part of a natural cycle of a country that seeks to advance. What is important is that we are able to identify these challenges, and together work to overcome them.

Material poverty is a problem that the country is facing, although to many it does not seem to be evident. The country as a whole and its affluent society moved forward, but there are still many individuals and families that need support and assistance.

People continue to face issues that are created by social pressures, lack of adequate funds, physical and mental illnesses, and situations that can place people in difficulty, she said.

She said that young people and future generations will have to come up with mechanisms for Malta and the rest of the world to be more sustainable. We must see that progrees is not converted into regress.