Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, has announced that the country will be submitting an application for the Cittadella and Mdina of Gozo to be included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Additionally, Malta will put forward its candidacy to become part of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
For a small country, Malta already boasts a significant number of Cultural Heritage Sites. The Megalithic Temples of Malta — including Ġgantija, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Skorba, Ta’ Ħaġrat, and Tarxien— the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, and the city of Valletta are all recognised by UNESCO.
However, several other culturally significant sites have remained on UNESCO’s tentative list for years. Among them are the Cittadella and Mdina in Gozo, as well as Malta’s catacomb complexes, the Victoria Lines, the coastal cliffs, the Qawra/Dwejra site in Gozo, and the Knights’ fortifications surrounding the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour.
A renewed push for UNESCO recognition
Speaking at a Labour Party event on culture and identity at the Mediterranean Conference Centre last Sunday, Abela reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Malta’s heritage. He said the government would be submitting an application for the Cittadella and Mdina, though it remains unclear what new strategies will be implemented to improve their chances of securing UNESCO recognition.
According to local media outlet Newsbook Malta, the Prime Minister highlighted the important role of culture in strengthening the Maltese identity.
I believe that our national language gives us our unique identity
Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta
Abela further underlined the importance of village feasts, a key element of Malta’s cultural heritage. He pointed out that the government had invested €19 million to help band clubs purchase their properties, thereby protecting them from eviction.
“During the pandemic, one of our main concerns was that the participation in feasts was going to reduce… However, we then witnessed a strong rebound as the number of young participants exploded”, he noted.
Malta’s bid for a seat on the UNESCO World Heritage Committee
In addition to seeking new UNESCO heritage status, Malta will also be submitting its candidacy for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee at the United Nations General Assembly in November.
The World Heritage Committee consists of 21 representatives from the 196 states that are parties to the World Heritage Convention. These 21 states are responsible for overseeing the implementation of the convention, selecting new heritage sites, and allocating funding for their conservation and protection.
If Malta secures a seat on the committee, it would play a more active role in global heritage preservation efforts while strengthening its position in the international cultural sphere.
