The National Youth Policy: A Cross-Sectoral Tool for Youth Empowerment and Development

Holistic youth development is a complex and multidimensional process that requires the coordinated involvement of multiple sectors. In this regard, the National Youth Policy: Towards 2030, apart from pointing towards the core youth policy issues such as empowerment and participation, also serves as a strategic framework that integrates this diversity into a unified vision, placing young people at the core of national growth, innovation, and social cohesion. It acknowledges that youth are not a single policy domain, but rather a cross-cutting concern that intersects education, social inclusion, health, employment and beyond.

At the heart of this integrated approach stands Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Malta’s National Youth Agency. As the focal point for the implementation of the National Youth Policy, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ plays a pivotal role in ensuring that youth priorities are not only heard but also translated into concrete action across government and civil society. Its work bridges policy and practice, engaging with various ministries, public entities, NGOs, and international networks to advocate for a youth-centered agenda.

This multi-stakeholder model is not simply about coordination; it is about collaboration with purpose. Aġenzija Żgħażagħ actively works to bring together diverse sectors under one cohesive strategic goal, recognising that youth empowerment is most effective when approached holistically. For instance, efforts to promote active citizenship must align with educational reform; employment initiatives must go hand-in-hand with wellbeing and inclusion measures. The agency’s leadership in aligning these diverse objectives reflects the true cross-sectoral power of the National Youth Policy.

A key aspect of this work is ensuring that young people are central actors in the process, not passive recipients. Through regular consultation processes, youth forums, and participatory workshops, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ ensures that youth voices shape the very policies intended to empower them. This participatory ethos fosters a stronger sense of ownership, civic responsibility, and democratic engagement among young people.

Equally important is the collaborative work of professionals across disciplines. The challenges and opportunities young people face today ranging from mental health and digital transitions to social inequality and climate change, require responses that draw on varied expertise. Youth workers, educators, psychologists, career advisors, and social policy experts must work in tandem to provide umbrella support that meets young people where they are. Aġenzija Żgħażagħ facilitates this professional synergy by promoting cross-training, shared frameworks, and common goals across sectors.

To ensure that such initiatives remain effective and adaptive, monitoring and evaluation are central to the implementation of the NYP. Aġenzija Żgħażagħ contributes to national data collection and policy analysis, helping to ensure accountability while identifying emerging trends and needs among young people. This ensures that policy remains dynamic and responsive, rather than static or symbolic.

Finally, the NYP represents more than a document—it is a call to systemic and sustained collaboration. Through its leadership, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ exemplifies how youth empowerment can be made real when silos are broken, sectors align, and young people are engaged as equal partners in shaping their future.

In 2024 the agency engaged and collaborated with over 50 entities who all give some kind of service to young people, be it the area of education and training, arts and culture, environment, rights and advocacy or social inclusion, together, the synergy created ensured a service that guaranteed quality for young people.

As we look ahead, the continued success of the National Youth Policy will depend on keeping young people at the center, sustaining cross-sectoral commitment, and building on the solid foundation established by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and its partners.

For more similar information kindly log into Youth Wiki the online platform presenting information on European countries’ youth policies.