9.4 Raising awareness about global issues
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Agenzija Zghazagh
St Joseph High Road
SVR 1012 STA Venera
Tel: +356 22586700
E-Mail: agenzija.zghazagh@gov.mt
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On this page
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Formal, non-formal and informal learning
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Youth-targeted information campaigns on global issues
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Information providers
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Key initiatives
Formal, non-formal and informal learning
Formal learning
In Malta, global issues are integrated into the upper‑secondary level curriculum primarily through subjects that include a global dimension. Within the Personal, Social and Career Development (PSCD) subject, students explore global topics including migration, sustainable development, health and well‑being, democracy, domestic violence and LGBTIQ+ inclusion. PSCD is structured across levels of education, and students typically experience a 90‑minute lesson per week.
Global issues are also embedded in other subject areas. In History, students encounter themes such as democratic rights, freedom of speech and education, gender equality, the causes and consequences of conflict and the many facets of globalisation. These topics are integrated as part of wider thematic study rather than as separate global issues units but enable students to develop comparative and analytical skills within an historical and global context.
In Geography, climate change, sustainable development, pollution (land, air and sea) and environmental degradation form part of the syllabus over a three‑year period. Geography is delivered as both a general subject with weekly lessons and as an option subject with a more intensive focus, including dedicated classes on global environmental challenges.
Social Studies also integrates global content. Topics such as racial discrimination, human rights, consumerism, global peace, social exclusion, diversity and migration are addressed. In Social Studies, this content is woven through the curriculum from Year 7 to Year 11, with students allocated approximately 40 minutes per week to explore these themes.
Across these subjects, global issues are not typically treated as separate standalone subjects; rather, they are integrated into existing subjects through a cross‑curricular approach. This encourages students to develop knowledge and analytical skills related to global systems, values and behaviours, although specific taught hours are driven by individual school timetables aligned with the National Curriculum Framework.
Non‑formal learning
Malta also offers a variety of non‑formal learning programmes that deepen young people’s understanding of global and environmental issues, often through experiential, peer‑learning and youth‑led activities.
PlanIt is a four‑day residential life‑skills programme dedicated to environmental sustainability and natural resource protection. Designed to inspire agency and leadership, PlanIt combines discussions on sustainable living with hands‑on activities and outdoor experiences. Young participants engage directly with environmental stewardship and community action, fostering sustainable mindsets and problem‑solving skills.
Another government‑supported initiative is the Climate Change Boot Camp, organised by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ in collaboration with partners such as Nature Trust – FEE Malta. This interactive programme invites young people to explore their values related to climate action and engage in simulations, eco‑crafting and advocacy planning, cultivating both environmental knowledge and active citizenship.
Complementing these programmes, the Youth Activism Camp, also organised by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, empowers young people aged 13–16 as engaged citizens addressing issues including environmental sustainability, human rights and social justice. Through teamwork, leadership exercises and interactive sessions, participants develop skills to advocate for positive change within their communities.
Longer‑term non‑formal learning environments include EkoSkola (Eco‑Schools) and related programmes such as LEAF (Learning About Forests) and Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE), coordinated locally and supported through national environmental education frameworks. These programmes encourage students to adopt active roles in environmental decision‑making, sustainability projects and investigative reporting on local and global environmental issues. Participation is generally organised through schools and community partnerships, with funding and support channels provided through environmental education budgets and school resources.
Additionally, the Student Councils Democracy Awards programme engages students from secondary and post‑secondary institutions in democratic practices, leadership, dialogue, equality and active citizenship. Through year‑long action plans and peer‑led activities, student councils contribute to a broader understanding of democratic values and civic engagement in national and global contexts.
Informal learning
Informal learning about global issues occurs through youth participation in voluntary activities, community engagement and daily life experiences. Volunteering in environmental clean‑ups, civic engagement campaigns and community projects contributes to young people’s understanding of climate change, sustainability and social justice outside structured educational settings. These informal experiences complement formal and non‑formal learning by building practical skills and encouraging lifelong engagement with global issues.
Youth-targeted information campaigns on global issues
The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is actively engaging young people in environmental awareness through an educational campaign centered around the Environmental Heroes Club activity book. This initiative is part of ERA’s ongoing efforts to promote awareness about air quality and environmental noise, particularly among students.
School-based awareness campaigns play a crucial role in educating young people about environmental issues, empowering them to make informed choices and take meaningful action. By providing insights into the sources and effects of air and noise pollution, these campaigns foster a culture of environmental responsibility and encourage young citizens to contribute to a healthier environment.
The Environmental Heroes Club activity book offers an interactive and engaging learning experience. Designed for young learners, the book takes them on an exciting journey to explore the science behind air quality and noise pollution. Through fun activities and challenges, participants gain a deeper understanding of how everyday actions can positively impact the environment.
By integrating education with hands-on engagement, ERA’s initiative aims to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals who are ready to take small but significant steps towards sustainability.
In 2016 the focus of the No Hate Speech Campaign was on raising awareness among post-secondary school and university students in Malta. Aġenzija Żgħażagħ raised awareness about the No Hate Speech movement in four (4) higher secondary schools in collaboration with Studenti Demokristjani (SDM), a student organisation. No Hate activities were also organised in post-secondary institution and at the University of Malta where young people were given the opportunity to voice their thoughts and concerns about young immigrants and refugees. Young people participating also had the opportunity in workshops to discuss the various attitudes that can be adopted when encountering and living near young immigrants and refugees.
A seminar entitled “The Contribution of Youth Organisations in Sport” was organised by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ in collaboration with Sport Malta as part of the National Sport Forum. During this seminar, physical activities were proposed as tools that youth workers and youth organisation can use to promote No Hate Speech Campaign and intercultural dialogue.
To mark World Refugee Day, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, SOS Malta, Integra Foundation, Migrant Women’s Association Malta, African Media Association Malta and Spark 15 joined together for a march to take a stand against hate speech targeting refugees and a No Hate monument was erected by Youth Local Councils.
Information providers
The primary public authority responsible for disseminating information on global issues to young people is Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, which maintains the Youth Information One Stop Shop and an online youth information portal. The agency’s website, social media channels and newsletters provide accessible information on sustainable development, human rights, global citizenship, climate action and other topics relevant to youth. The agency also acts as an information contact point for young people seeking resources related to global issues, mobility opportunities and international programmes such as the SDG Youth Champions initiative.
Other public information providers include the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), which disseminates information on environmental quality, climate change, air quality and environmental noise, particularly through school‑based awareness activities; and the Sustainable Development Directorate, which provides information and reporting on national progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Key initiatives
Sustainable Development Action Awards
The Sustainable Development Action Awards is an initiative led by the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness through the Sustainable Development Directorate that recognises individuals and organisations, including youth and schools, who demonstrate outstanding leadership and innovation in advancing sustainable development in Malta. The awards cover multiple categories such as the Youth Leadership Award and Sustainable School Award, highlighting young people’s contributions to sustainability, environmental protection and community engagement. This public recognition not only celebrates achievements but also raises awareness among young people and the wider community about the importance of sustainable development and responsible citizenship.
Islands Cleanup Campaign
The Islands Cleanup Campaign is an annual environmental initiative organised by the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness in collaboration with Project Green and local partners. While the campaign invites participation from companies, NGOs, schools and youth organisations, it plays a key role in educating and engaging young people about environmental stewardship, coastal protection and waste management. Participants receive necessary cleanup equipment and are encouraged to adopt sustainable behaviours by witnessing firsthand the impact of pollution on valleys, coastlines and public spaces. For every tonne of waste collected, additional trees are planted, reinforcing environmental responsibility.
Youth Peace Camp (Council of Europe with Maltese support)
In 2025 Malta supported the Youth Peace Camp organised by the Council of Europe Youth Department with backing from the Directorate of Political Affairs and External Relations. This experiential learning programme brought together young people from conflict‑affected regions to build trust, develop peacebuilding competences and engage in dialogue about social cohesion and human rights. The camp exemplifies Malta’s public commitment to empowering young people as agents of change and promoting peace education and intercultural understanding at a European and global level.
Youth Climate Actions Funding (Kamalè) – Local initiative with public backing
In 2025 the Msida Local Council launched the Kamalè (KlimAte Mindful Actions Led by Engaged Youth Leaders) funding scheme as part of the SUBLIME SDGs Project co‑funded by the European Commission’s DEAR Programme. This initiative invites young people aged 15–30 and youth organisations to apply for funding to develop and implement youth‑led climate action projects aimed at raising awareness about climate change and promoting sustainability within communities. Projects funded under this scheme provide young people with opportunities to learn about climate issues, lead local initiatives and connect to broader SDG objectives, illustrating participatory civil engagement with environmental global issues.