Il-Hajja f’Ghawdex (Life in Gozo) Foundation has highlighted the fact that Gozo is a community with a distinct identity, shaped over the years by a combination of geographical, social, cultural, religious, and economic factors.

It noted that insularity, strong ties to family and community, the parish, festas (village feasts) and traditions, the relationship with Malta, as well as the experience of emigration and mobility between the two islands all have played a part in the formation of this identity.

The Foundation said that at the same time, the Gozo of today is not the same Gozo of a few decades ago. Economic and social changes, more rapid development, increased mobility, shifts in family life, a new reality among young people, continuous contact with Malta and the outside world, as well as demographic changes, are all continuing to reshape the Gozitan community.

It went on to say that among these changes is the significant increase in the number of non-Maltese individuals who now live and work in Gozo.

The Foundation said that research presented on workforce diversity shows that between 2010 and 2025, the non-local workforce in Gozo grew at an average annual rate of 21%, with increases observed across various economic sectors. ”While this is a significant reality, it should be viewed as just one of several factors influencing the evolution of Gozitan identity.”

Consequently, the Il-Hajja f’Ghawdex (Life in Gozo) Foundation is organising its third conference, themed “Gozo… What Identity?” The event aims not only to define Gozitan identity but, more importantly, to explore how this identity – and its ongoing transformation – should be understood by the Church within its pastoral mission.

The conference will examine this subject through both external and internal perspectives. The first part will explore the nature of Gozitan identity from a social lens, featuring contributions from Dr. Nicholas Briffa and Ms. Elena Cardona.

The second part, which focuses on the relationship between Gozitan identity and the pastoral mission, will include presentations by Rev. Dr. Carl Mario Sultana and Dr. Stanley J. Portelli. During the conference, Fr Joseph Hili will also provide an analysis of the insights offered by a recent survey conducted among the people of Gozo regarding religious behaviour and the pastoral work of the Church in Gozo.

The conference will be moderated by Prof. George Cremona.

The conference will take place on Saturday, the 21st of November, at 10am. To reserve a place please click here

The Il-Hajja f’Ggawdex Foundation was established by the Diocese of Gozo in 2020, primarily to safeguard the publication Il-Hajja f’Ghawdex – a monthly magazine covering a wide range of topics relevant to the island of Gozo.

A key objective of the Foundation is also to promote aspects related to Christian identity and culture, particularly within the context of local history. Furthermore, the Foundation coordinates the communication activities of the Diocese of Gozo.

Over the past two years, the Foundation has organised two conferences: one on Pope Benedict XVI and Christian hope, and the other on Bishop Nikol G. Cauchi as a promoter of the Second Vatican Council.

File photo: Gozo News/Mario Xerri

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