Malta’s Anti-Racism and Diversity Week 2026
Recently, on 21 March we observed the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination’, commemorating the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, when police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on a peaceful protest against apartheid pass laws, killing 69 people. The observance, set up by the United Nations, is intended to raise awareness and encourage action against racism which continues to affect communities, politics, media, sport, and the digital environment across the world.
At the start of 2026, the European Commission launched the ‘Anti-Racism Strategy’ 2026-2030. Earlier this month, to mark both the Strategy’s launch and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Commission hosted a high-level conference that brought together key stakeholders working in the fight against racism. Discussions centred on addressing structural racism and strengthening national action plans, offering space for deeper dialogue with participants.
Malta’s ‘National Action Plan Against Racism’ 2025-2030 (NAPAR) reaffirms this responsibility to combat racism and racial discrimination on a national level by raising awareness, engaging the public, and highlighting practical measures to tackle racism and discrimination. One of the flagship initiatives under the NAPAR is the Anti-Racism and Diversity Week which is led by the Human Rights Directorate (HRD) and was held for the first time between Friday the 20th and Friday the 27th of March 2026. It brought together students, civil society, industry, public authorities and communities with the aim to show solidarity with all those fighting racism, to strengthen national conversations on anti-racism, to promote inclusion, and to showcase good practices already contributing to a more equitable society.
The Week started with an Open-Air Cinema Night, organised with Freehour, where participants joined together to watch a film highlighting the ability to survive, adapt, and act with courage under extreme circumstances, while portraying diversity as a lived experience.
On Saturday 21st a Community Engagement Day was held in Valletta with activities organised by non-governmental organisations, communities, representatives from the Integration and Anti-Racism Consultative Council, the Malta Police Community Cohesion team and the HRD. The Cohesion Cup football tournament in Birżebbuġa was held on Sunday, with sport being the means of promotion for inclusion and cooperation. During the week, youth and student engagement was further strengthened through a student‑led debate organised by Kunsill Studenti Universitarji and diversity‑focused school activities at the Naxxar Induction Hub.
Companies and organisations working to build inclusive workplaces were brought together for a Business Breakfast on Wednesday 25th March. In collaboration with the CORE Platform and the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter, the discussion focused on sharing good practices and exploring tools that can support both organisations in strengthening anti‑racism efforts.
In conclusion, this year’s Malta’s Anti‑Racism and Diversity Week brought together people from various backgrounds through a rich programme of events designed to strengthen dialogue and promote inclusion. By fostering positive attitudes from a young age, engaging the wider public, and creating welcoming spaces for intercultural exchange, such initiatives call on all participants to share responsibility for building a diverse and anti-racism society.
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