MCVS signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Secretariat

The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commonwealth Secretariat establishing an Information and Networking Desk managed by MCVS. The signing was carried out in the Commonwealth Headquarters in London on the 2nd May 2019. The MoU was signed by Dr. Noel Camilleri, Chairman MCVS  and Dr Arjoon Suddhoo, Deputy General Secretary of the Commonwealth under the patronage of the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations the Hon. Dr. Clifton Grima.

The MoU, which outlines the principles of cooperation between the two parties, will promote the sharing of knowledge and solutions to strengthen the voluntary sector in member countries.

Under this agreement, MCVS will establish an international desk which will start operations on 2 July 2019. The desk will serve as a contact point between European and Commonwealth countries on sharing best practices, creating partnerships and promoting networking opportunities.

Dr. Noel Camilleri said that “Malta is eager to give its contribution at an international level in the area of the Voluntary Sector, an area which is engrained in Malta’s culture, while serving as a hub to facilitate the sharing of good practices and the networking for projects in partnership amongt various countries”.

The Deputy Secretary-General said: “The international voluntary desk is an important initiative to exchange useful information among the diverse family of nations. It will provide new streams of information which we can analyse and share to strengthen the voluntary sector and voluntary work.”

Other areas of cooperation include:

  • building capacity through training programmes;
  • exchanging cutting-edge research on the volunteer sector;
  • facilitating access to funds, grants and partnerships; and
  • helping national voluntary bodies design strategies and reforms.

Following the meeting, Dr Clifton Grima, Malta’s Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations, said: “Malta is very happy that it has developed necessary experience in the voluntary sector which enables us to help other countries achieve the highest standard of excellence.

The signing of this agreement promotes a closer collaboration through which we can ensure our people are informed about the opportunities and possibilities that arise from the strengthening of our voluntary sector.

Both parties are committed that this MoU will be actively implemented. I look forward to meeting with our Commonwealth colleagues soon to witness the progress which will be achieved by virtue of this important collaboration.

The delegation, which also included Mr. Mauro Pace Parascandalo, CEO of MCVS and Mr. Ryan Borg, Head of Secretariat, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations, had the pleasure to have a meeting with the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Her Excellency Baroness Patricia Scotland.