The National Book Council launches Five-Year Strategy 2025–2030

The National Book Council (NBC) has officially launched its Five-Year Strategy 2025 – 2030, laying out a structured and forward-looking plan to support and strengthen Malta’s publishing industry. The strategy provides a clear blueprint for the Council’s ongoing work in building a healthier and more sustainable literary ecosystem, while reaffirming the central role of books in Malta’s cultural, educational, and economic fabric. 

Devised in collaboration with renowned business consultancy firm KPMG, the Strategy offers a concrete way forward for Malta’s book industry – emphasising economic sustainability and new ways in which the sector can not only survive, but also thrive. 

The Strategy is built on five key pillars: strengthening the literary ecosystem in Malta; promoting Maltese language and culture locally and internationally; increasing access to books for all; improving governance and transparency; and fostering strategic collaborations. Together, these pillars reflect the Council’s commitment to ensuring that books and reading continue to hold a central place in Maltese society, while also addressing the challenges faced by the sector with concrete, consultative measures.

At the official launch, held at the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation in Floriana, Minister Clifton Grima emphasised that the unveiling of the strategy is a clear sign of the government’s commitment to placing the book at the heart of Maltese life. “An industry can only grow with a long-term vision. This strategy ensures that our efforts are not only relevant today, but sustainable for the future,” he said, noting the importance of consultation with local stakeholders and professionals throughout the process.

Permanent Secretary Matthew Vella also underscored the importance of the book industry as a key part of Malta’s cultural heritage and educational infrastructure. He reiterated the Ministry’s support, noting that the strategy will enable the NBC to better manage its resources and deliver targeted support to the publishing community in a meaningful, transparent way.

Addressing the conference, National Book Council Executive Chairperson Mark Camilleri stated that it was a huge honour to be leading the National Book Council in these exciting times and spearheading its first-ever Five-year Strategic Vision for the years 2025-2030. Camilleri described the strategy as ambitious, and driven by a desire to see the much-needed advancement of the book industry by setting progressive goals for its future.

“Through this important fundamental document we want to ensure the industry’s sustainability, enhance professional growth, increase opportunities for all stakeholders and instil more innovation at par with 21st century skills and demands,” Camilleri said. 

“But most of all the Strategic Vision will warrant the National Book Council’s ambition that in the next five years, and beyond, our literature keeps not only being read locally but starts being celebrated abroad too,” he added. 

The strategy document is the result of an in-depth consultation process with authors, publishers, educators, and other stakeholders, and represents a major step forward for the NBC as it continues to serve as a vital bridge between public policy and the publishing world.

The NBC looks forward to implementing the strategy in close collaboration with all sector stakeholders, ensuring that the local book industry continues to thrive – attracting talent, exciting readers, and generating lasting value both at home and abroad.

The Strategy document may be viewed here (Maltese) and here (English).