The world has been a tough place to live in over recent years. With problems ranging from a global pandemic that completely halted travel and connections, to wars that have led to people fleeing their homes in desperate need of aid.
These issues have been coupled with mounting environmental issues, with climate change being a persistent problem that has dominated headlines.
Such problems have prompted many from the general public to call for changes in the ways things are done, ranging from increased equality and diversity, all the way to more sustainable practices. Many of the world’s top business leaders have thus acted as voices for change, looking towards the future rather than focusing on the present.
Quizzed through a series of quick-fire questions first published in MaltaCEOs 2023’s print edition, 50 of Malta’s top business leaders shared what they feel the world’s biggest priority should be right now.
Unsurprisingly, more than half called for greater focus on the environment and to implement sustainable methods of operations as soon as possible.
Melita Ltd CEO Harald Roesch explained that the aim has to be towards meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a list of 17 targets that were adopted by United Nations Member States in 2015, providing a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. He noted that progress on these goals will “go towards solving many of today’s problems”.
LifeStar Insurance plc CEO and Director Cristina Casingena was in agreement, highlighting that we “need to do better and think about the future, not just about today”.
People & Skin CEO Joanna Delia remarked that everyone needs to focus on making “environmental conscious choices on an individual level”.
More than a third of respondents also listed peace and an end to wars as another priority that both world leaders and the general public need to pursue. Over the past year, European communities have been troubled by the persisting war in Ukraine, which has led to people being displaced and forced into poverty.
Peace has emerged as the goal for many of Malta’s top CEOs, including V&C Group CEO Christabelle Camilleri and BDO Malta CEO Mark Attard.
Multigas Group CEO Michael Mifsud said that the priority should be on establishing “world peace and creating more opportunities for the under-privileged”.
Other business leaders have called for a change in mindset, with Identity Malta Agency CEO Mark Mallia stating that it is integral that a good “work ethic and core values” are fostered among younger people, referred to as Gen-Z and Gen Alpha.
BMIT Technologies CEO Christian Sammut identified more widespread changes, stating that there needs to be a “complete reset”, not just economically and socially, but in “every aspect”.
Industry stakeholders welcome ‘significant victory’ with annulment of ‘discriminative’ haulage rule
The Court of Justice acknowledged Malta's argument that the geographical challenges faced by island nations were not sufficiently considered.
Balancing ambition and personal wellbeing
A CEO’s struggle with ambition and wellbeing.
Hard Rock Senior VP John Rees: ‘We are excited to bring our hospitality offering to Malta’
The executive was speaking during the foundation stone ceremony for DB Group’s Hard Rock Hotel.
Increase in Gozo’s public sector employment would have negative impact on productivity – GRDA
Private sector employment, on the other hand, would boost productivity and raise GDP more effectively.
