Malta Sustainability Forum

The main objective of the Malta Sustainability Forum is to raise awareness about sustainability and empower citizens to make conscious decisions towards a sustainable life.

Building on the success of its first edition, MSF 2021 provided deeper insights into global challenges and offered solutions applicable to Malta in achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Understanding Social Enterprises

Zen D’Amato Gautam, President of SEAM – Social Entrepreneurs Association Malta, defines social enterprises as businesses with a primary mission to benefit society, unlike traditional models focused solely on profit. These enterprises integrate social goals with entrepreneurial spirit to effect positive social change, while also generating revenue. They offer innovative, sustainable solutions to social issues, contributing to systemic change and economic revolution globally.

Differentiating Social Enterprises from NGOs and Businesses

Social enterprises bridge the gap between NGOs, which are non-profit, and traditional businesses. They operate by trading goods or services to achieve social, cultural, or environmental goals while ensuring financial sustainability.

7 Tips for Sustainable Living

Alexia Micallef Gatt, a science and biology teacher passionate about sustainability education, shares practical tips for people of all ages to adopt sustainable practices:

1. Responsibility for SDGs: Every individual’s choices impact the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Reduce Carbon Footprint: Consider emissions involved in product lifecycle; opt for local products and reusable options.
3. Reduce and Reuse: Repurpose items at home; choose durable, reusable products.
4. Donate: Instead of discarding usable items, donate them to others in need.
5. Go Paperless: Minimize paper usage where possible.
6. Choose Ethical Products: Support fair trade and environmentally friendly products.
7. Stay Informed: Use preferred media for sustainable inspiration and continuous learning.

Education for Sustainability

Alexia advocates integrating sustainability education early in children’s development to foster lifelong habits. She emphasizes engaging students through age-appropriate content, gamification, and real-world applications. By empowering students to understand and address global challenges, educators can inspire them to become advocates for sustainable practices.