PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE REGENERATION OF THE GRAND HARBOUR ‘Young Artists, Big Impact’ returns for its second edition, giving children a voice for sustainability

Children from across Malta and Gozo are promoting the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through art as part of the Young Artists, Big Impact Children’s Art Exhibition being held at MUŻA – the National Community Art Museum.

Organised by the Sustainable Development Directorate within the Ministry for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, the initiative places children’s perspectives at the heart of Malta’s sustainable development efforts.

Through a variety of artistic expressions, including paintings, literature, sculptures and videography, children and young people have shared their interpretation of the environmental and socio-economic pillars of sustainable development.

Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli met with a number of participating students and praised their creativity, talent and understanding of the SDGs and the world around them.

“The sculptures and artworks created by these students show that, despite their young age, they already have a strong understanding of the different dimensions of sustainability, from the wellbeing of people and communities to protecting the environment and safeguarding future generations. Through this exhibition, children are sharing their ideas and aspirations for a better future. Their message is simple yet powerful: every individual has the ability to make a positive impact on society and on the environment around us,” said Minister Dalli.

Following the success of its first edition, this year’s exhibition has expanded to welcome students from Years 4 to 8. The exhibition attracted 155 submissions from 18 schools across Malta and Gozo, with each artwork reflecting students’ understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, placing particular emphasis on environmental protection and social wellbeing.

Participating schools included De La Salle Junior (Birgu), Archbishop’s Seminary (Rabat), Ġużé Aquilina Primary (Sannat), Dr Frans Chetcuti Primary B (Żabbar), Ġużeppi Maria Caruana Primary B (Żejtun), Leli Camilleri Primary (Żurrieq), St Edward’s Junior and Middle School (Birgu), St Francis Primary (Birkirkara), Bice Mizzi Vassallo Primary (Pembroke), St Martin’s College (Swatar), St Dorothy’s Junior School (Sliema), Ġużeppi Aġius Primary (Paola), Madonna tal-Mensija Primary (San Ġwann), Patri Feliċ Sammut Primary (St Paul’s Bay), St Francis Primary (Cospicua), Carlo Diacono Secondary (Żejtun), The Malta Visual and Performing Arts School, and Hand in Hand.

Francine Pace Caruana, Director for Sustainable Development within the Ministry, explained that the initiative is built on the principle of collective responsibility, while highlighting the important role children play as agents of change who are promoting sustainability through their artistic creativity.

The exhibition is open at MUŻA from Tuesday, 7 July until Sunday, 19 July. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. Teachers, families and the general public are invited to visit the exhibition and be inspired by the powerful message for sustainability that children are conveying through their artwork.