PROMISE : poverty observatory biannual bulletin

Abstract

The establishment of PROMISE (Poverty Research Observatory of Malta - Investigate, Synthesise, Engage) as the University of Malta's first funded research cluster underscores the institution's commitment to addressing the crucial issue of poverty eradication within Maltese society. Born from the vision of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing—spearheaded also by Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, Prof. Sue Vella, and Ms. Stephania Dimech Sant—and embraced by the entire Faculty, PROMISE recognises that ending poverty is fundamental to overall societal well-being. PROMISE's mission is to become Malta's Poverty Research Observatory. This ambitious goal is steered by three core drivers: Investigate: We must conduct timely, relevant studies to understand the evolving nature of poverty in Malta. Synthesise: We will regularly and consistently compile data from various groups experiencing poverty to create a robust knowledge base. This data is essential for developing evidence-based policy that is timely and relevant. Engage: Poverty is everyone's business. PROMISE structurally embodies this by bringing together academia, civil society, and policy makers, including the government and voluntary sector, to foster a truly cohesive effort. The decision to eradicate poverty is a political choice in the broadest sense of the word. It requires a non-partisan and united effort—from communities, NGOs, academia and the whole political spectrum. This bulletin aims to stimulate and support this effort. Sincere thanks to all the contributors, both within the University of Malta and beyond, and to the small PROMISE team whose dedication and hard work made this inaugural bulletin possible. We hope that this effort will establish a twice-yearly publication, creating a regular appointment for disseminating knowledge and fostering constructive discussion. PROMISE will contribute the knowledge base necessary to make the eradication of poverty a reality, working towards the vision of a Malta and a world free of poverty and inequality.