A Public Social Partnership Agreement to enhance Malta and Gozo’s public spaces through the Malta Sabiha Initiative, has been formalised by the Planning Authority and the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation.

The agreement was signed by Mr Johann Buttigieg, Executive Chairman of the Planning Authority, and Mr Andrew Agius Muscat on behalf of the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation, during a ceremony presided over by Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri.

Through this strategic partnership, the Planning Authority said it will support a long-term programme of embellishment, regeneration, and placemaking projects across Malta and Gozo, on both land and at sea. ”These projects will highlight Malta’s identity as a Mediterranean island nation and contribute to the wider vision of transforming the country into” an “outdoor museum.”

Funding will be disbursed in phases against approved projects, in line with established governance, reporting, and transparency procedures. The Planning Authority said it is allocating initial funding of €5m from its Development Planning Fund towards this initiative.

The Authority said that this initiative will bring together national and international stakeholders ”to enhance public spaces, strengthen Malta’s identity, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.”

In this context, the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation will act as a catalyst in helping realise related projects by bringing together ideas, expertise, and partners from across the world and connecting them with national stakeholders in Malta.

The Authority said that this collaborative approach is intended to encourage innovation, cultural exchange, and high-quality placemaking that reflects both Maltese identity and the wider Mediterranean character.

”The initiative also directly supports the priorities of Malta Vision 2050 by promoting smarter land and sea stewardship, a higher-quality and more experience-driven tourism offer, sustainability linked to blue and green economy goals, and stronger partnership-based governance through the Public Social Partnership model,” it said.

Speaking at the event, Mr Johann Buttigieg said the partnership reflects the Authority’s commitment to improving Malta’s urban and natural environment in line with long-term national priorities. Mr Andrew Agius Muscat said, ”Malta Sabiha is not just a statement. It reflects Malta’s beauty today, but also a vision to keep enriching it through culture, art, and thoughtful placemaking.”

Minister Clint Camilleri welcomed the collaboration as a forward-looking, people- centred investment in Malta’s long-term urban and tourism development. He said the initiative will deliver ”tangible improvements to public spaces while strengthening national identity and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

The Malta Sabiha Initiative will also include an annual international conference to showcase results, engage stakeholders, ”and further position Malta as a hub for Mediterranean beauty, culture, and destination development,” said the Authority.

With this agreement in place, the Planning Authority and the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation said that they will continue working together to deliver ”tangible improvements to Malta’s urban and coastal environments.”

Photo: PA

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