Prof. Sandra C. Buttigieg, Head of the Department of Health Systems Management and Leadership at the University of Malta, recently represented the Maltese Ministry for Health and Active Ageing at the 7th Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety, held in Manila, Philippines.

The summit, attended by ministers, health leaders, and experts from around the world, culminated in the endorsement of the Mandaluyong Declaration on Patient Safety, which reaffirms the global commitment to safer healthcare systems. This landmark declaration highlights the need for collaborative, people-centred, and resilient approaches to patient safety, with particular emphasis on leadership, governance, innovation, and inclusivity.

In her address, Prof. Buttigieg underscored Malta’s dedication to a boundaryless approach to patient safety, integrating health and social care systems and promoting person-centred care. She also highlighted key national initiatives, including the MSc in Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Management offered by the University of Malta, which is among the few standalone programmes globally dedicated to training future leaders in patient safety.

Prof. Buttigieg continues to leave her mark through a wide range of activities focused on patient safety, both nationally and internationally, reinforcing Malta’s position as an active contributor to global health policy and practice.

Her participation reflected Malta’s active role in shaping global strategies and reaffirmed the University’s pivotal contribution to education, research, and international collaboration in this vital area of public health.