Two new mediators, Dr Sharon Camilleri Magro and Dr Stephan Piazza, have been awarded accreditation certificates after successfully satisfying the requirements established under the Mediation Act and demonstrating the professional competence required to practise as mediators in Malta.
The certificates were presented by Justice, Research and Innovation Minister Clifton Grima during a ceremony held at the Auberge d'Aragon, a statement said.
During the event, Grima congratulated the two newly accredited mediators and highlighted the important role mediation plays in strengthening access to justice by offering an effective and voluntary means of resolving disputes for individuals, families and businesses.
He said mediation complements judicial proceedings by encouraging dialogue, cooperation and mutually agreed solutions between parties, while reducing delays, costs and the emotional burden associated with litigation.
The minister also reaffirmed the government's commitment to further strengthening Malta's mediation framework through continued investment in the sector, the promotion of high professional standards and initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness of mediation services.
He said these efforts form part of the government's broader vision to modernise the administration of justice by making dispute resolution more accessible, efficient and citizen-centred.
The Malta Mediation Centre, established under the Mediation Act, provides a structured forum through which parties involved in civil, commercial, family and industrial disputes may, on a voluntary basis or through a referral by the courts or another competent authority, seek to resolve their disputes through mediation.
Accredited mediators act as independent and impartial facilitators, helping parties reach voluntary and mutually agreed settlements without imposing decisions on them.
The addition of the two new mediators brings the number of mediators registered with the Malta Mediation Centre to 56.
The registered mediators come from a range of professional backgrounds, contributing specialised expertise across different sectors and further strengthening the Centre's capacity to provide high-quality mediation services while supporting the continued growth of alternative dispute resolution in Malta.
Also present for the presentation of the accreditation certificates were Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Justice, Research and Innovation Johan Galea and Malta Mediation Centre Registrar Demelsa Gauci.