The Faculty for Social Wellbeing paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat at the Auberge de Castille. The delegation led by Dr Andrew Azzopardi, Dean, was made up of Heads of Department, Dean Delegates, the Faculty Officer and the Dean's PA. Social wellbeing, quality of life issues and potential research collaborations were on the agenda. Hon. Dr Michael Farrugia, Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity and Hon. Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport were present for the meeting.
The Dean gave a brief expos茅 on what the Faculty stands for, its principles, values, mission and vision. It was explained that social justice, equality of opportunities and inclusion are the main pillars of the Faculty鈥檚 teaching, research and scholarship. The delegation encouraged the Prime Minister to keep generating wealth but not at the expense of other forms of affluence, namely that of peace and social cohesion. The Dean stressed that the Government must ensure the just distribution of resources. The delegation from the Faculty invited the Prime Minister and his Government to link up with the Faculty academics and maximise on their broad social wellbeing research portfolio.
The Prime Minister was keen to strengthen the relationship between policy and academia emphasising the need for both to work in tandem. Minister Farrugia invited the Faculty to collaborate on a number of initiatives and joint programmes. Parliamentary Secretary Agius appealed for more professionals in the field of practice. A follow-up meeting is being scheduled with Hon. Dr Farrugia.
