Public officials who excelled in their duties throughout 2024 were honoured during a special ceremony held on Saturday 21 June. The event, organised under the patronage of Her Excellency President Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, recognised the exceptional efforts and achievements of individuals and teams across Malta’s Public Service.

The ceremony coincides with the upcoming United Nations Public Service Day, which will be commemorated on 23 June.

In his address, Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana emphasised the dedication of public officers and the often unseen work carried out across departments.

He noted that the true scope of the Public Administration is broader than what is visible to the public. He urged officials to take pride in their roles, stating that they are not merely doing a job but making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

“The vast majority of public service employees face real challenges in their daily work and play an important role in many areas of society,” he said.

During the evening, a number of awards were presented to commend excellence across several categories.

The Quality Award was given to Servizzi Ewropej Malta (SEM) for achieving top results in service delivery. The Quality Label was also awarded to the Public Registry of Identità, the Senior Citizens’ Service Centre, the National Literacy Agency, and the Victim Support Agency.

The Best Practice in Good Governance Award went to the Malta Statistics Authority, following an audit by the National Audit Office which highlighted the organisation’s strong internal controls and emphasis on transparency and accountability.

The National Cybersecurity Steering Committee (NCSC) received the Best Digital Solution Award.

As the national authority on cybersecurity, the committee coordinates responses to incidents and oversees the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy.

Efforts to tackle climate change were also recognised.

The Public Abattoir was awarded the Climate Impact Award for its sustainable initiatives, which included reducing waste, installing energy-efficient systems, and switching to a hybrid and gas-based water heating system.

The Inclusion Award was presented to the Malta Enterprise IT team for fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. Particular recognition was given to Mr Kurt Tonna, who championed accessibility and inclusion despite facing personal challenges.

Police Constable Hertian Vassallo received the Role Model Award for his work in community policing. He was praised for his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to social values.

The Inspiring Social Responsibility Award went to the Family Community School Link (FCSL) within the Ministry for Education. The initiative promotes collaboration between schools, families, and communities to support long-term positive change.

Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) was named Project of the Year. Opened to the public in 2023, MICAS aims to position Malta within the international contemporary art scene while also preserving important heritage sites.

The Team Recognition Award was given to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade for organising the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta.

Finally, the Outstanding Effort Award was presented to the Cancer Pathways Directorate at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre for its dedication to improving cancer care services across Malta.

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