ABOUT THE
CONFERENCE
Welcome to the 2nd Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter Conference! Join us at The Xara Lodge for a day filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities focused on promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, fostering dialogue and building relationships. Learn from industry experts, share best practices, and connect with like-minded professionals. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a movement toward a more inclusive society. See you there!
Memories from 2024 Conference
CORE Platform
CORE Platform is an independent non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting, debating, raising awareness of, and spreading the principles of Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Social Responsibility. It serves as a platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing among its members, associates, civil society, and other stakeholders at both national and international levels. CORE Platform has developed and initiated the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter, representing Malta on the EU Platform of Diversity Charters. Additionally, CORE Platform is the official National Partner for CSR Europe.
Mission & Vision
The Malta Diversity and Inclusion Charter Conference, scheduled for May 2025, is driven by a clear and comprehensive set of objectives that aim to not only raise awareness but also actively promote and instigate meaningful change in the realms of diversity and inclusion (D&I). With the participation of approximately 200 Professionals, including esteemed stakeholders and advocates, these objectives underscore the event’s significance and its potential to catalyse transformative action.
Our Values
CORE Platform revolves around 3 main pillars. Creating Awareness, Collaboration, & Training. We strive to attain these goals through multiple local and International projects in collaboration with a number of International public and private partners. The Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter is one of these projcets.
Keynote Speakers
Maria Alexiou is a distinguished expert in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters, corporate sustainability, and human rights law, with a career spanning over three decades across Europe, responsible business practices in Europe.
Professional Roles and Affiliations
Senior ESG Advisor at TITAN Cement Group: Since 2020, she has been advising at both group and regional levels, focusing on embedding sustainability and social responsibility into corporate strategies. Prior to this, she served as the Corporate Social Responsibility Director at TITAN from 2003 to 2019.
Chair of the Board of Directors, CSR Hellas: Maria has been leading this national business-driven network since 2012, promoting corporate social responsibility in Greece.
Board Member, CSR Europe: She has been contributing to this European business network for corporate sustainability and responsibility since 2018.
Member, UN Global Compact Network Hellas: Participating in initiatives that align businesses with sustainable and socially responsible policies. make her a prominent figure in promoting
Member, European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG): Maria is involved in the Project Task Force on Sustainability Reporting, contributing to the development of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). and the Voluntary SME Reporting.
Academically Maria Holds:
Law Degree: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Master’s Degree in International and European Law: Specializing in Human Rights and Civil Liberties from the University of Leicester, UK.
Maria Alexiou’s extensive experience and leadership in ESG and corporate sustainability will inspire all those who get to meet her.
Nathan Farrugia is a prominent Maltese entrepreneur, executive coach, endurance athlete, and philanthropist known for his dynamic leadership and commitment to personal and organizational development
Professional Roles
Managing Director, Vistage Malta & UAE: Nathan leads Vistage in Malta and the UAE, facilitating peer advisory groups for CEOs and business leaders, helping them make better decisions and achieve greater success.
Founder, UP Ltd (Up Your Level): He established UP Ltd, an executive coaching academy that employs his proprietary F.I.R.E. methodology (Focus, Integrity, Resilience, Energy) to enhance leadership performance.
Former CEO, Shireburn Software: Nathan served as CEO of Shireburn Software, a leading technology company in Malta, before transitioning to a non-executive role to concentrate on coaching and performance advisory.
Founder, UN Limited & XTERRA Malta: He founded UN Limited, an events and lifestyle company that organizes XTERRA Malta, a series of endurance races promoting outdoor adventure and fitness.
Athletic Achievements
World Record Holder: Nathan set a world record by completing 27 marathons in 27 consecutive days across 27 different countries, an endeavor that raised significant funds for charitable causes.
Endurance Athlete: He has participated in some of the world’s toughest endurance challenges, including the PatagonMan Extreme Triathlon in Chile, demonstrating resilience and dedication to physical and mental health.
Author & Speaker
Author of A Million Steps: Nathan’s book chronicles his experiences during the 27-marathon challenge, offering insights into personal growth and the power of perseverance.
International Speaker: As a TEDx speaker and motivational presenter, he has inspired audiences worldwide, sharing lessons on leadership, performance, and overcoming adversity.
Philanthropy & Community Involvement
Inspire Foundation: Nathan served as CEO and later President of the Inspire Foundation, Malta’s largest non-profit organization supporting individuals with disabilities.
Board Memberships: He holds positions on various boards, including the Academy of Givers, the Lino Spiteri Foundation, and the Inspirasia Foundation, contributing to initiatives that promote social responsibility and community development.
Academically
- Physiotherapy Degree: University of Malta
- MBA: Strathclyde Graduate School of Business
- Executive Leadership: Stanford Graduate School of Business
Nathan Farrugia’s multifaceted career reflects a dedication to excellence, whether in the boardroom, on the racecourse, or within the community. His work continues to inspire individuals and organizations to strive for peak performance and meaningful impact.
Honourable Rebecca Buttigieg is a Maltese female politician currently serving as the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality within the Office of the Prime Minister focusing on social policy, equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. Worked closely with Minister Owen Bonnici on reforms, including Malta’s Gender Equality Strategy 2023–2028 and LGBTQ+ rights advancements.
Career and Political Involvement
Before her parliamentary tenure, Buttigieg gained experience at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and served as a Policy Officer at Malta’s Permanent Representation to the European Union during Malta’s EU Council Presidency in 2017. She later worked as a spokesperson for the Ministry for Economy and the Ministry for Home Affairs, National Security, and Law Enforcement. In her role as Parliamentary Secretary, she has been instrumental in advocating for social reforms, including the evaluation of cannabis legislation, discussions on euthanasia, and the promotion of LGBTIQ+ rights. She has also supported amendments to abortion laws to provide greater clarity and peace of mind for women facing pregnancy complications
Recognition
In January 2025, Buttigieg was named a European Young Leader by Friends of Europe, acknowledging her contributions to promoting equality and social reform in Malta.
Academically
Buttigieg holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Malta. She furthered her studies with a Master of Science in Global Crime, Justice, and Security from the University of Edinburgh in 2015.
Panel Discussions
Training
Empowering Diversity & Inclusion Champions
At CORE Platform, we are committed to supporting the signatories of the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter by providing relevant training and resources to drive meaningful change.
🔹 Stay Informed – Register now to receive updates on upcoming training programs, workshops, and key dates.
🔹 Enhance Your Skills – Gain access to expert-led sessions designed to foster inclusive workplaces.
🔹 Lead the Change – Be part of a growing network committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in Malta.
Register today and take the next step in your D&I journey!
AGENDA.
| Time | Desciption |
|---|---|
| 08:00 - 09:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffee |
| 09:00 - 09:10 | Opening Remarks by Helga Ellul, President of CORE Platform |
| 09:10 - 09:20 | Mission & Vision by Julian Dingli CEO CORE Platform |
| 09:20 -10:05 | Keynote: Maria Alexiou – “The Voluntary European Standards for SMEs” |
| 10:05 - 10:50 | BUSINESS Panel Discussion |
| Panel includes ; APS BANK, PANTA GROUP, EASYJET ENGINEERING, P CUTAJAR Ltd | |
| Moderator - Peter Jan Grech - CEO / Founder BRNDWGN Host UNBRANDME Podcast | |
| 10:50 - 11:05 | Networking Coffee Break |
| 11:05 - 12:05 | PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS Panel |
| Panel Includes: INSTITUTE OF TOURISM STUDIES, MCAST, SFWS | |
| LED by THE HUMAN RIGHTS DIRECTORATE | |
| 12:05 - 13:05 | Networking Lunch |
| 13:05 - 13:50 | Keynote ; Nathan Farrugia |
| 13:50 - 14:00 | Intervention by Rebecca Buttigieg, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms & Equality |
| 14:00 - 15:00 | Commitment Ceremony |
| 15:00 -15:10 | Closing Remarks |