Envision2050: The Next 25 Years Will Be Built on the Principle of Quality of Life

Ronald Mizzi – Permanent Secretary Malta Vision 2050, Implementation and Coordination

In a country accustomed to short-term plans shaped by electoral cycles, proposing a 25-year vision is both innovative and bold — and it has been widely welcomed. Permanent Secretary Ronald Mizzi has been at the helm of this process, first within the Ministry for the Economy and now from the Office of the Prime Minister.

“The process has been extensive, data-driven, and grounded in research,” Mr Mizzi explains. “It draws on macro-trend analysis, a review of existing strategies, and dozens of consultation meetings since October last year. All this work gave birth to the document we have today. Malta Vision 2050 was launched last April, followed by a broad public consultation to reach all sectors of society.”

At the time of writing, the Vision document is available on envision2050.gov.mt in both Maltese and English. The consultation period has now been extended until the end of October.

The response has been remarkable, with stakeholders from across society — businesses, NGOs, civil society representatives, and citizens – not only submitting feedback but also engaging in deeper discussions with the team.

Still, Mr Mizzi acknowledges the occasional scepticism: “Some ask why we need a Vision, especially when our economy has been performing strongly in sectors such as finance and gaming, while weathering major global challenges like the pandemic and geopolitical uncertainty.”

His answer is clear: “Precisely because we are in a position of relative strength, this is the right moment to plan long-term. The era of business as usual is over. We cannot simply rest on our laurels and hope for the best.”

Malta Vision 2050 does not replace existing policies but builds on them, aligning government strategies into a single, coherent direction.

“This is a Vision from the people and for the people. We’ve taken on board input from youths, students, the private sector, the elderly, and even children. Everyone’s perspective matters as we shape the years ahead.”

At its core, the Vision is about quality of life — redefining how Malta measures progress. Economic success will no longer be judged purely by growth figures, but by how sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and resource-conscious that growth is.

The Vision rests on four main pillars:

1. Sustainable economic growth – driven by high-value, knowledge-based sectors such as finance, gaming, advanced manufacturing, aviation, and quality tourism.
2. People-centred services – ensuring healthcare, family support, housing, and mobility systems are modern, accessible, and tailored to citizens’ needs.
3. Resilience and education – strengthening Malta’s capacity to adapt while equipping its workforce with the skills to thrive in future industries, ensuring social mobility along the way.
4. Smart land and sea use – safeguarding and optimising Malta’s limited resources, always prioritising the wellbeing of its people.

To make these pillars a reality, four enablers will drive implementation: effective governance, sustainable funding, digitalisation, and a refreshed international identity under Brand Malta.

This outward-looking dimension is crucial. The Vision positions Malta as a destination that appeals not only to investors and start-ups, but also to students, quality tourists, and retirees seeking a balance of heritage and progress.

Mr Mizzi highlights the breadth of the process: “From sentiment analysis at the very start, to focus groups, stakeholder meetings, and a three-day national conference in January 2025, we have built a Vision that is evidence-based yet shaped by the people. The final version will be launched early next year, when we will invite the public to join us in celebrating a common roadmap for the next 25 years.”