The Environmental Committee at the UM Junior College is organising the fourth edition of festAmbjent, taking place from 16–20 February 2026.

This year introduces a new feature: L-Ambjent taħt il-Lenti – Mistoqsijiet bla Kantunieri, a Q&A session that will allow students to pose their questions directly to invited speakers. The discussion will tackle some of Malta’s most contested environmental issues, including development and construction, the marine environment, trees and air quality, water resources, and environmental activism. Students can expect challenging questions and frank, open discussion.

In addition, a series of seminars from various academic disciplines will be held throughout the week, offering students the opportunity to explore environmental issues from a broader, interdisciplinary perspective. For a complete overview of the seminars, kindly refer to the festAmbjent programme (will be available in the coming days). Lecturers who would like to book their classes for a seminar may send an email to jacqueline.rotin@um.edu.mt by Monday 9 February 2026. 

Throughout the week, the JC Foyer will host a number of information stands, including those by local environmental NGOs, the Argotti Botanic Gardens and Resource Centre—where students can take part in a competition and win a plant, Heritage Malta, the Institute of Earth Systems, and the Earth Systems Association.

Members of the JC community will also be able to bring their pets to College on 16 February (registration required; please refer to the programme) and purchase pre-loved clothing on 17–18 February 2026.

An exhibition entitled In Captivity for Life in Malta will be on display in the Foyer throughout the week (16–20 February). The exhibition aims to raise awareness about wild and dangerous animals being kept in captivity in Malta.

A bake sale will also be held, with proceeds supporting Environmental Committee initiatives, including the care and feeding of the cats on the College grounds.

A planting activity will conclude the event.

These activities are made possible through the collaboration of various JC Departments, Committees and Enrichment Programme Units, and the involvement of external partners.

Note: Students attending any of the seminars will be exempted from their lectures.