The Valletta 2018 Foundation is launching a series of annual international conferences addressing different aspects related to cultural relations in Europe and the Mediterranean, with the first conference to be held on 4-5 September at the University of Malta, Valletta Campus.

Particular importance will be given to matters related to the common histories and geo-political realities of Europe and the Mediterranean within the spheres of international relations and cultural diplomacy.

The First Annual Valletta 2018 International Conference on Cultural Relations in Europe and the Mediterranean aims to address aspects of contemporary cultural relations in the Mediterranean in the framework of Valletta as European Capital of Culture (ECoC). The conference is being organised in conjunction with the Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival organised by Inizjamed from 4-6 September.

The ECoC is a European flagship project aiming to raise positive awareness of ‘Europeanness’ among EU citizens and beyond, and following 25 years and circa 50 such cities, results are mixed.

The variety of international speakers are invited to reflect on how this project can contribute to a dialogue and exchange of experiences in terms of cultural experiences and expressions in the Euro-Med area, also in light of the chequered history of super-national initiatives such as the Union for the Mediterranean and the Anna Lindh Foundation.

The conference will feature four panels of three speakers each, with two panels per morning. The speakers have been asked to address aspects of Valletta related to its European and Mediterranean vocation, and, arguably, a road map. Their interventions will act as a starting point for discussions to follow, and refer participants to this particular point in time and space when Valletta, and by extension Malta, may have a particular role to play.

For further information, including how to register, see the conference website at the external link below.