More than 500 children from 65 Children’s Local Councils are calling on political parties to commit to safer streets, protected green spaces, better mental-health support, online protection, and a formal role in decisions that shape their future.

The Children’s Manifesto, spearheaded by the Children’s Local Councils, and coordinated by the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, lists 132 proposals children want political parties to commit to ahead of the May 30 general election.

It was launched today by the children themselves and presented to political parties. Then, on May 19 and 20, electoral candidates will be invited to sign a declaration committing to champion the children’s manifesto’s proposals and children’s rights. 

President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, MFWS founder and chair, said: “Through this manifesto, children are not asking for token consultation; they are asking for concrete commitments on the issues already dominating the national conversation. This is a call for political parties to put children at the heart of every policy; to take into consideration their proposals for the Malta they will inherit,” Ms Coleiro Preca said.

The 2026 Children’s Manifesto was drawn up following years of work, discussions and consultations with Children’s Local Councils in 65 localities. It is structured around six pillars: The Community & Environment; Health & Mental Wellbeing; Education; Diversity & Inclusion; Children’s Rights & Active Participation; and Technology, Online Protection & AI.

Elena Curmi, 14, from Għarb, Gozo, expressed a sincere hope that this manifesto would bring real attention to what children and young people in Malta and Gozo actually need.

“We hope this document leads to real change. My message to political parties is: I hope you continue listening to us children and work with us to make our ideas a reality; I hope you improve education, wellbeing, opportunities, and community life, so that we can all feel more confident about our future,” she said, urging political parties to take their proposals on board.

Ms Coleiro Preca added that the Children’s Local Councils in Malta and Gozo were an essential vehicle for children and younger people to make their voices heard.

“I am heartened to witness a leap in children’s confidence to debate and to demand what is rightfully theirs.

“For political leaders, policymakers and authorities, this document offers a valuable compass. It invites us to listen carefully and to recognise that children often see the future with clarity, honesty, and courage.

“It is now our collective responsibility to honour their voices, to take their proposals seriously, and to work with them to build the country they so clearly envision. Their ideas challenge us. Their courage inspires us. Their vision calls us to act.”

The proposals in the Children’s Manifesto speak directly to the issues dominating the national conversation: traffic, road safety, overdevelopment, access to green spaces, cost of living, poverty, disability, inclusion, mental health, education, and community life.

The children also want AI to be used in ways that make their lives more fruitful, while ensuring children have meaningful alternatives to screen time and device use.

The strongest shift in this manifesto is the importance children attach to community. The first pillar, Community and Environment, contains more proposals than any other, sending a clear message to political parties that children across Malta and Gozo are yearning for stronger community life, safer public spaces, more greenery, and places where they can meet, play, belong and be heard.

Local Councils’ Association president Mario Fava said the direct participation of people in community life lies at the heart of every democracy; a principle that applied equally to children.

“The fact that these children felt the need to organise themselves, engage in discussion, and present concrete proposals should serve as a clear signal to all – including local councils – that we must continue to strengthen the mechanisms of consultation and children’s active participation.

“We cannot speak of a long-term vision if those who will live and lead it in the future are excluded from the decisions being made today. This Children’s Manifesto should be seen as the first step in a broader journey. The next step must be direct engagement with these children… It is only through such a process that we can build solutions that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of all,” Mr Fava said.

You can read the proposals in the Children’s Manifesto here: https://mfws.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Childrens-Manifesto-ebook.pdf