Beyond the policy, it’s the people who make a difference: Cultural Diversity @ UM

The Equity Office is proud to join the European Commission in celebrating European Diversity Month 2026. To kick off our campaign, this first week is dedicated to one of the pillars of our University identity: Cultural Diversity.

We recognise that cultural diversity does much more than broaden our horizons; it enriches society by bringing together different perspectives and ways of thinking that foster creativity and innovation. Embracing these differences helps build a foundation of mutual understanding, by reducing prejudices and promoting respect among people from various backgrounds.

Beyond the policy, it’s the people who make the difference.

We asked three of our students to share their personal experiences engaging with diversity and inclusion and how it has shaped their journey here at the University of Malta.

‘I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action at the University of Malta. Over the past five years, I have been actively involved in student life through activism and representation, serving on Boards of Studies and various student organisations. Through organising a wide range of academic and social events, we aimed to help students reach their full potential and make the most of their time at university.

Having served in multiple student organisations, my goal has always been to create spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all students, regardless of their backgrounds. I believe diversity enriches our community and strengthens the student experience for everyone.’ - Afnan Gnijiwah

‘I am a Deaf mother studying on the Applied linguistics for Maltese Sign Language course who adopted two beautiful children from India. Our family is shaped by Deaf culture, Hearing culture, and Indian culture, which together make us a strong and loving family. We celebrate our differences and learn from each other every day. Although our cultures, languages, and origins are different, our love brings us together. We communicate in different ways that work for us and always support one another.

Our diversity unites us, showing that family is built on care and unconditional love, regardless of our backgrounds.’ - Nicolette Aquilina Cutajar

‘I am a Full-Time Student (B.A Hons NES) and Director of Marketing and Social Media at Friends of MSF University of Malta Chapter. In my four years at the University of Malta, I have come to understand the true impact of diversity and inclusion. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences has pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Studying Near Eastern Studies further opened me to new perspectives.

Through Campus Compass, we identified a gap between local and international communities, making our project a meaningful step toward inclusion. It created a safe, open space where students could express their identities—many international students joined, sharing their cultures through art, making the experience both powerful and unifying. I hope the University continues to feel like a shared space for everyone.’ - Shahed Bensaid

These stories remind us that inclusion is about the conversations and experiences that we share every day. It’s through these interactions that we build an inclusive community. Diversity Month is an opportunity for us to keep listening to these stories and to ensure that every student feels at home here, long after the month is over.