1800-1805hrs
Opening by Prof Godfrey Baldacchino
1805-1830hrs
A Vision for Europe (and Malta) – a Presentation by Prof Gerard Kester
1830-1840hrs
Reaction by Dr Lawrence Gonzi, former Speaker of the House, former Prime Minister and former Deputy Prime Minister
1840-1850hrs
Reaction by Dr George Vella, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Foreign Affairs
1850-1930hrs
Moderated Discussion
*Prof Gerard Kester is a Dutch academic with a long history of association with Malta and its University. During the 1970’s he carried out extensive research on the state of industrial relations and on the experience of workers’ participation which at that time was a topical and controversial subject. Subsequently, he carried out research in a large number of other countries, particularly in conjunction with trade unions in Africa, and has published various books and academic articles on his area of expertise. The focus of his recent work is the democratisation of the economy and on the role of trade unions and civil society in that process. In the meantime, he has maintained a regular interest in Malta and on the challenges of the European Union in the creation of a free, prosperous, tolerant and egalitarian society.