GWU and Minister Omar Farrugia discuss the future of young people and emerging challenges

17 Aug 2026 - GWU - Youths | Home | News | Sections

Young people are among Malta’s most important resources for the future and must therefore be given the tools, skills and opportunities they need to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world of work.

This was one of the key messages delivered by General Workers’ Union (GWU) Secretary General Kevin Camilleri during a meeting between the Union’s Central Administration and the Minister for Youth, Wellbeing and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Omar Farrugia.

Camilleri said that one of the greatest challenges workers and society will face in the coming years is digitalisation and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI). He stressed the need for AI to be regulated responsibly and in a timely manner, before its development outpaces society’s ability to manage it and ensure that it is used for the benefit of people rather than to their detriment.

Secretary General also said that the GWU strongly believes in young people and has a dedicated Youths Section to provide them with a platform to voice their ideas, concerns and aspirations. He emphasised the importance of continuously equipping young people with new and updated skills to prepare them for the changing realities of the labour market.

Minister Omar Farrugia said that the contribution of young people to Malta is crucial and that continued investment is needed to understand their aspirations and create the right conditions for them to reach their full potential.

The Minister also praised the GWU’s work in negotiating and improving workers’ conditions and expressed his support for these efforts. He said he would continue working closely with the Union to strengthen workers’ rights and employment conditions.

He added that during the first months of this legislature, he had recognised the importance of launching a consultation process with different groups of young people of various ages and backgrounds. This will help ensure that future policies are shaped around their real needs and aspirations.

GWU Youths Secretary Mikela Muscat, the first full-time Secretary of the Section, spoke about the positive relationship developed with MCAST students undertaking apprenticeships and internships within the Section. She said the experience had demonstrated how important it is to provide young people with meaningful opportunities to learn, develop and contribute actively.

Muscat highlighted that further investment is still needed in several areas for the benefit of children and young people, particularly in basic life skills which, although often taken for granted, are essential to their personal, social and professional development.

She stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen young people’s capabilities, skills and opportunities so that they are better prepared to become the men and women of tomorrow and make a positive contribution to society.

The meeting also addressed several issues of national importance, including the need to strengthen respect for authorities and promote a culture of discipline and civic responsibility, improvements to the transport system, the challenges and opportunities associated with population growth, the potential of the silver economy, and the value of volunteering as a means of encouraging active participation in society.

Also present at the meeting on behalf of the GWU were Deputy Secretary General Kevin Abela, President Jason Deguara and GWU Youths Secretary Mikela Muscat.