A forum that creates space for young people – The Malta Festival of Ideas 2025

As part of The Malta Festival of Ideas, this forum focuses on the role of young people in building a better future. It goes beyond learning, offering teenagers aged 13 to 17 the chance to take the lead. The platform puts them at the centre of the discussion, encouraging them to share their views, question existing norms, and put forward their own vision for the world they want to create.

 

The event opens with an engaging panel discussion featuring young leaders and activists involved in areas ranging from grassroots movements to national advocacy. They will reflect on their own journeys and the power of youth-led change through different means.

Participants will then take part in one of three creative and interactive workshops:

• Create to Make a Change explores how music, theatre and art can be used as tools for activism and civil engagement.
• Across Borders focuses on intercultural dialogue, youth opportunities, and diplomacy across the Mediterranean.
• Guardians of the Earth highlights the value of nature, heritage, and ancestral knowledge in building a more sustainable world.

The forum places young people at the centre of dialogue and action. Together, participants will generate a set of recommendations for stakeholders – ideas rooted in their lived realities and aspirations. These proposals will be shared during the Festival of Ideas, contributing to a wider dialogue on youth participation and community transformation.

 

Moderator:

MS JENNIFER CAUCHI: Professional youth workers, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ

Jennifer Cauchi is located in Gozo and supports young people through non-formal education, outreach, and group work which aim to create opportunities for personal growth, skill-building, and participation. Her role involves designing and delivering engaging sessions in schools, youth spaces, and the community, focusing on wellbeing, creativity, and active citizenship. Jennifer is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where young people feel valued, heard, and empowered to explore their potential and take an active role in shaping their future.

 

Speakers:

MS CHERISE SULTANA: President of the National Youth Council of Malta (NYC)

Cherise Sultana is the President of the National Youth Council of Malta (NYC), a non-governmental organization (NGO) that represents all youth from Malta and Gozo. With over five years of experience in youth advocacy, she has led efforts to ensure authentic youth engagement in policy-making at both national and international levels. For 13 years, Cherise trained in dance and piano, experiences that have shaped her deep belief in the power of art as a vehicle for activism. She believes that creativity, whether in music, theatre or visual art, can spark dialogue and advance social change. Through her work, she champions co-creation over tokenism, striving to embed young people’s voices structurally in democratic processes. She is currently pursuing a Master of Advocacy at the University of Malta.

 

MR DURSA MAMA: Co-founder and President of Spark15

Dursa Mama is originally from Ethiopia. He moved to Malta at the age of 18 as a refugee and has experienced a lot of trauma and challenges related to displacement, integration, and transition towards a new life. Mama transformed his pain into purpose, and for the past years has been using his experiences to help others. Mama is the founder of Spark 15, a refugee-led organisation aimed at promoting education, integration, social inclusion and access to information for refugee communities. Through his NGO he remains committed to contribute to discussions and policy developments concerning refugee youth empowerment and opportunities, migration and integration.

 

MS LARA SULTANA: Trainee Aġenzija Żgħażagħ

Lara Sultana is a third-year Youth and Community Studies student at the University of Malta and a trainee with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ through the Institute for the Public Services (IPS) Traineeship Scheme. Lara has been involved in youth activism from a young age, inspired by her experiences with Aġenzija Żgħażagh and the Scout Association of Malta, which ignited her passion for giving back to the community. She chose youth work to empower young people with the skills and values necessary to contribute to society and promote positive social change, just as she was supported years ago.

 

MR GABRIEL SPITERI: Student and activist with Moviment Graffitti

Gabriel Spiteri is presently studying maths and physics at the Junior College and is also greatly active in environmental, social, and political advocacy led by Moviment Graffitti.  He is greatly interested in current affairs, international politics, and the role of young people as decision makers and movers for positive social change. Gabriel is also interested in photography and has been leading a central role in documenting protests and press conferences organised by Moviment Graffitti.

 

Young people, do not miss this opportunity! Register here: https://fb.me/e/dvdutwujK