Malta this week hosted the 19th meeting of the European Heritage Heads Forum (EHHF), marking the 30th anniversary of the Valletta Convention - the European Convention for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage.

The event, organised by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, brought together European cultural heritage leaders to discuss current challenges and future priorities in heritage preservation.

During his address, Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that the Valletta Convention represents a strong foundation in European policy for the protection of archaeological heritage. He noted that Malta stands as a living testament to this shared heritage and highlighted the government's ongoing investment in restoration efforts, with over 40 projects completed or launched this year.

Bonnici added that through the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, the government aims to make Malta's historical and cultural assets more accessible to the public.

European Commissioner for Youth, Intergenerational Solidarity, Sport and Culture Glenn Micallef reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to balancing cultural preservation with sustainable development. He described cultural heritage as a vital element of European identity, emphasising the importance of inclusion, sustainability and protection within initiatives such as Creative Europe and its successor, AgoraEU.

Micallef also highlighted the European Heritage Days (EHD), a joint programme of the Council of Europe and the European Union, as an example of how cultural events can promote awareness and participation across the continent.

Superintendent of Cultural Heritage Kurt Farrugia said the conference provided a valuable opportunity for European heritage leaders to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation. "The strength of this Forum lies precisely in this community where national perspectives enrich our common European vision," he stated.