The law not only articulates the Council’s mission and objectives but gives the necessary framework which will enable the Council to build on solid foundations. In fact quoting from the law, one can highlight MCESD’s main functions.
“ (1) The Council shall be a consultative and advisory body with the function to advise Government, through the Prime Minister on issues relating to sustainable economic and social development and shall be competent to -
(a) promote social dialogue and consensus among all the social partners on issues relating to sustainable economic and social development;
(b) propose desirable and feasible goals and targets to give effect to the strategic economic, financial and social development objectives of the Government and to recommend measures which would further their attainment;
(c) make recommendations to Government in respect of changes in the direction or terms of economic and social policy that it may deem appropriate;
(d) make recommendations to Government regarding the elaboration of national plans for economic and social development and the implementations thereof;
(e) submit opinions and recommendations on matters referred to it by Government or on matters that the Council deems as having national economic and, or social relevance; and
(f) upon a request by Government, examine, assess and make recommendations regarding draft legislation related to the objectives of the Council.
(2) In discharging its functions, the Council shall reconcile individual sectoral interests in order to achieve overriding national interests, and shall have regard, inter alia, to –
(a) the attainment of the highest possible levels of sustainable employment for all at adequate rewards, with, due consideration to productivity levels;
(b) the removal of structural constraints which impede the achievement of the overall economic and social national objectives;
(c) the achievement of the highest possible rate of economic growth;
(d) the fair and equitable distribution of the income and wealth of the nation;
(e) reasonable price stability and long-term equilibrium in the balance of payments; and
(f) the social implications of economic growth, including the need to achieve social inclusion in all its perspectives particularly equality between women and men in the mainstream of development, and the protection of the environment.
(3) The Council shall act on specific requests submitted to it by Government or on its own initiative.”