What is your current role and organisation?

In my current role as Technical Attaché on Climate Action at the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU, I act as Malta’s representative in the Council Working Party on Environment, where I engage directly in negotiations on some of the EU’s most consequential climate and energy files. My portfolio spans a broad spectrum of legislative processes, including the EU 2040 climate target, the post-2030 climate and energy framework, the climate-related aspects of the Automotive Package, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Clean Industrial Deal, and the evolution of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS 1 & 2). I also follow the governance elements related to National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), ensuring that Malta’s priorities are consistently reflected and defended throughout different stages of EU decision-making.

How long have you been in green tech?

I bring over 10 years of experience in environmental and climate-related roles, spanning policy, regulatory implementation, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement. 

What motivated you to join this sector?

Throughout this journey, what has consistently motivated me is the ability to contribute to tangible and meaningful improvements in how we protect our environment and shape climate action, both at national and EU level. I am particularly driven by the challenge of looking at systems holistically, understanding how different sectors intersect, and finding balanced, evidence-based solutions that allow for ambition while reflecting the realities of small states such as Malta.

What continues to inspire me in this sector is the pace of evolution and the scale of impact. Climate policy is a space where science, diplomacy, innovation, and governance converge, and being able to navigate these dimensions, and represent my country in the process, makes the work both motivating and deeply rewarding.

What were the most difficult professional or personal challenges? How did these challenges affect your career growth?

One of the biggest challenges in my career has been realising how different real-world policymaking is from the clean, structured models you learn about in textbooks. In practice, climate policy is rarely straightforward. It requires balancing environmental goals, economic realities, and social impacts, and there is rarely a perfect solution that satisfies all three.

Representing a small island Member State adds an extra layer of complexity. I often need to make sure Malta’s specific needs are understood in discussions where larger countries naturally have more weight. This means speaking up when a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work and making sure our limitations and strengths are properly considered.

Another challenge has been keeping up with the fast and constantly shifting nature of climate and energy files. New proposals, new data, and new political pressures arise all the time, and staying on top of everything requires continuous learning and adaptability.

These challenges have pushed me to grow, developing stronger judgement, clearer communication, and more resilience. They’ve taught me how to balance ideal solutions with what is realistically achievable, and how to advocate effectively for Malta in complex EU processes.

What actions, strategies, or skills helped you overcome obstacles? Were there mentors, tools, or networks that helped?

I’ve learned to overcome challenges by approaching problems with a solution-oriented mindset. I like to break complex issues into smaller, manageable parts, which helps me identify clear next steps and keep momentum even when the bigger picture feels overwhelming.

Communication has also been key. Being open and clear with others has made it much easier to navigate difficult situations. I’ve also learned the value of recognising when I need more guidance. Asking questions early, seeking advice from more experienced colleagues, and staying open to different perspectives has often led to better outcomes than trying to figure everything out alone.

Over time, I’ve built a strong network of mentors and peers who have helped me grow, offered practical insights, and provided reassurance when navigating unfamiliar files. Their support, combined with staying organised, continuously learning, and being adaptable, has definitely shaped my confidence.

Which projects or initiatives are you most proud of? Any awards, recognitions, or measurable outcomes? How did your work contribute to sustainability or green tech innovation?

One achievement I am particularly proud of is my role in negotiating the UN General Assembly resolution on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in 2023. I served as one of the EU negotiators representing the EU Member States throughout the process. This involved navigating sensitive topics, building consensus across regions, and coordinating the EU position. The resolution ultimately achieved a positive outcome that aligned with EU priorities. This experience helped me develop stronger skills in diplomacy, alliance-building, and text-based negotiation, skills which are now part of my everyday work. 

I like looking at achievements more generally however, as I am very proud of my career path as a whole. Every role I’ve taken on has helped me grow, strengthening my ability to balance technical accuracy with political awareness, anticipate the wider implications of decisions, and build alignment among many different actors. These experiences have also given me a much clearer understanding of how policy is shaped in practice, from early drafting all the way to high-level political negotiations.

Together, these opportunities have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to sustainability and climate governance, both internationally and at home. They’ve also equipped me with the confidence, judgement, and adaptability needed to work effectively in complex policy environments and represent Malta’s interests in challenging discussions.

What advice would you give to someone entering the green tech industry? What lessons have you learned that others should know?

My main advice to anyone starting out in this field is to stay true to your values and to the reasons that brought you into this work in the first place. It’s easy to get caught up in fast-moving processes, but keeping your principles at the centre of your decisions will guide you far.

I’ve also learned the importance of being yourself and not being afraid to share your ideas, even if you’re new to the room. Fresh perspectives are often exactly what a discussion needs, and speaking up can open doors you didn’t expect.

Another lesson is the value of asking for help when you need it. No one has all the answers, especially in a sector that evolves as quickly as climate and sustainability. Reaching out to colleagues, mentors, and peers is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Finally, never stop learning. Whether it’s new policies, technologies, or ways of working, there is always more to discover. Staying curious and open-minded will keep you growing both personally and professionally.