Inclusion is part of VisMed’s philosophy because:

– we have learnt that diversity is about different shades and overlaps rather than stark differences between us,

– it is more about creating opportunities for all rather than placing needs as pertaining to isolated social groups in watertight boxes and

– every individual is a changing person and not a fixed model and therefore we would rather invest in positive change for every one rather than forming one impression that lasts for a lifetime.

Coming from a small island nation like Malta where 25% of the population is a recent addition to the community and where rural and urban areas are one heterogeneous reality, for VisMed, diversity is hard to define and  the need for inclusion is not in discussion. This proximity between different social groups has conditioned Maltese culture and attitudes that have, in recent years, changed in a dramatic way and delivered challenges as well as opportunities for organic change.

Inclusion is not only about different cultures. It is about our space open for different physical and intellectual challenges, for persons of all genders and sexual orientations, different age groups and all social groups…included. Since our rejuvenation exercise in 2023 we have brought a new dimension into our efforts for inclusion of all. Inclusion has come to be an inspiration for us to push for a Mediterranean basin that works for a social, cultural, economic and democratic milieu that has the wellbeing of all citizens as its focus. It includes human rights for a clean environment, education, economic sustainability and peace. We have undertaken to include this inclusion policy in all of our future projects and initiatives in order that we may lead by example and learn from others about how we can improve our efforts towards effective inclusion for all.