Major OSCE conference to be held in Malta next week
Preparations are in full swing for what promises to be the largest international government conference ever hosted in Malta. Over 2,000 public servants and service providers are working together to organise the OSCE Ministerial Council, set to take place next week at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta’ Qali. Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg, who is also serving as chair of the OSCE, visited the venue on Thursday afternoon to meet with the task force overseeing the conference arrangements. This 31st OSCE Ministerial Council will be held on Thursday and Friday of the upcoming week. (Times of Malta)
Malta surpasses European target in tertiary qualifications
Malta has surpassed the EU’s 2030 target for tertiary education attainment, reaching 46.3% in 2023, above the EU average of 43.1%. The European Commission’s Education and Training Monitor 2024 highlights Malta’s 96.2% employment rate for tertiary graduates, far exceeding the EU average of 87.7%, reflecting a strong education-to-career pipeline. Early childhood education participation has improved, with 38 new childcare centres since 2022. The National Education Strategy 2024-2030 focuses on literacy, STEM education, vocational training, and green skills. Challenges remain in reducing early school leavers and boosting female STEM participation, addressed through reforms and the Digital Education Strategy. The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to education excellence and sustainability. (TVM)
Government signs new public sector collective agreement
The government has signed a new collective agreement benefiting 33,000 public service workers with increases in basic salaries and allowances, totalling €1.27 billion over six years. Effective from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2030, this is the first collective agreement finalised before the expiry of the current one, exceeding the provisions of sectoral agreements. The agreement will deliver an average annual wage increase, including allowances, of 3.85%. Additionally, the basic salary for the lowest public service scale, Scale 20, will rise to €1,200 above the minimum wage, up from the current €500.
