The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) is a tripartite forum comprising trade unions, employers' organisations and the Government. Its aims are:

• to promote social dialogue and consensus amongst the social partners and, where necessary, with other organisations in civil society; and

• to submit recommendations to the Government on national economic and social issues.

The Council can submit recommendations or express an opinion either on the Government's request or on its own initiative.

The MCESD was established under the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development Act 2001, which aimed to build on the experience gained since 1989 with the non-statutory Malta Council for Economic Development. The first Council under the MCESD Act, comprising a Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and 14 members, was appointed by the Prime Minister on 17 August 2001 for a period of one year. 14 substitute members were also appointed to attend meetings in the absence of regular members.

Also established was a standing Civil Society Committee to represent Maltese civil society. It consists of the chairpersons of civil society organisations.

The MCESD's chairperson is Mr Sonny Portelli. Its deputy chairperson is Dr Godwin Grima, Principal Permanent Secretary.

Click here for further information about the MCESD.