The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) just held its National Conference on ‘Shaping the Future of Volunteering – A Strategic Vision & an Enabling Legislation’ on Saturday, 17th May 2025.

The event brought together members of enrolled Voluntary Organisations for a morning of discussion and collaboration, and explored the need for a modern, inclusive framework to support voluntary work in Malta. Key discussions focused on the national strategic vision aimed at empowering volunteers, promoting sustainability, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration. Legislative reforms to reduce bureaucracy and enhance governance within the voluntary sector were also discussed.

The conference started with a welcome speech by Mr Mauro Pace Parascandalo, MCVS CEO, and a keynote intervention by Ms Gabriella Civico, Director of the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV) in which she provided a European perspective.

Workshops were then facilitated by MCVS in collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner for VOs (OCVO), covering the new legislation and procedures, and the upcoming National Strategy for 2025–2030. MCVS thanks the Commissioner for VOs, Mr Jesmond Saliba, MCVS Chairperson Dr Gertrude Buttigieg and Council Member Mr Edward Gruppetta for moderating the various workshops along with the MCVS CEO.

The last part of the conference included interventions by the Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector Hon. Julia Farrugia, Shadow Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector Hon. Graziella Galea, an address by the President for European Volunteering (CEV) Ms Lejla Sehic Relic and a concluding address by MCVS Chairperson Dr Gertrude Buttigieg.

The conference also included a panel discussion with the workshop moderators and a presentation by Mr Pace Parascandalo who announced the Small Initiative Support Scheme (SIS) 2026. This funding scheme will open on Wednesday 28th May 2025 at noon – more information and guidelines will be available at vofunding.org.mt.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all participants for their presence and valuable contributions in shaping the future of volunteering in Malta.

• Presentation by Ms Gabriella Civico, Director of the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV): click HERE to download.
• SIS announcement presentation by Mr Mauro Pace Parascandalo, MCVS CEO: click HERE to download.