
The Maltese government plans to submit an application to include Gozo’s Citadel and Mdina on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Prime Minister Robert Abela also announced that in November, Malta will apply for a seat on the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
The idea of adding these historic sites to UNESCO’s list was first proposed by Culture Minister Owen Bonnici in 2014.
Currently, Malta has several UNESCO-listed sites, including the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Ġgantija, Mnajdra, Haġar Qim temples, and Valletta. The World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 states, oversees the World Heritage Convention and allocates funding for the protection of cultural sites.
Speaking at a cultural event, Abela emphasised the importance of preserving Maltese identity through culture. He highlighted the government’s continued investment in the sector and stressed the significance of the Maltese language.
Encouraging children to speak Maltese, he described it as a key part of the nation’s identity.
Abela also praised voluntary organisations for their contributions to society and spoke about the importance of village feasts.
The government has invested €19 million to save band clubs from eviction, ensuring the survival of these cultural institutions. He noted that after the pandemic, participation in feasts surged, especially among young people.
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