World Creativity and Innovation Week 2026 at UM

Event: World Creativity and Innovation Week 2026 at UM

Date: 15-21 April 2026

Time: Various (see programme below)

Venue: Various (see programme below)

The initiative, celebrated globally for over two decades, aims to inspire new thinking, strengthen innovation cultures, and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 2018, 21 April has been officially recognised by the United Nations as World Creativity and Innovation Day, underscoring the importance of creativity in addressing global challenges.

Curated by Prof. Margaret Mangion, Malta’s ambassador for WCIW and Board Member for WCIW Europe, the Institute will coordinate a variety of workshops and outreach events aimed at different sectors of society, from doctoral students to schoolchildren, healthcare professionals, business delegates, and university students. Each event will align with relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlight the power of creative thinking to drive positive, sustainable change.

Dr Nathalie Buhagiar and Ms Ramona Vella Vidal will deliver an engaging session aimed at increasing awareness of sensory systems and their impact on learning and wellbeing. Participants will learn practical strategies for achieving self-regulation.

Ms Ella Samut-Tagliaferro will introduce students enrolled on the course A Toolkit for Thinking Out of the Box to the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework. Through reflective and collaborative exercises, students will explore how creativity can drive inner and societal transformation. Participants will engage first-hand with the IDG framework and consider how creativity can act as a catalyst for positive change within communities and beyond. The session will be facilitated by Ms Vassallo on behalf of the IDG Valletta Community Hub and hosted by Prof. Margaret Mangion.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals

Nurturing Creative Minds: Helping Children Thrive in a Complex World – in collaboration with St Catherine’s High School

This two-session online mini programme will explore how creativity, a key 21st-century skill, can support children in navigating the complexities of today’s rapidly changing world. Through reflection and practical insights, parents will gain a deeper understanding of how creativity contributes to resilience, adaptability, and confident problem-solving.

The first session will focus on the development of the creative self, while the second will address the development of agency, offering practical strategies to support independence and initiative in children.

An engaging and interactive session at Carlo Diacono Middle and Secondary School will introduce around 70 Year 7 students to the Six Thinking Hats method (Dr Edward de Bono). Facilitated by Prof. Margaret Mangion, the workshop will combine an introduction to the method with a hands-on session where students will explore ethical situations within their Ethics curriculum.

SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The lecture will explore how collaborations between universities and the arts and cultural sector can generate transformative societal impact. Drawing on empirical research and the Collaborative Value Creation (CVC) framework, the session will examine how different types of collaboration influence the breadth and sustainability of impact. 🔗 Register here.

SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

The Edward de Bono Institute, in partnership with the Department of Nursing within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Malta and MCAST Institute of Applied Sciences, will deliver a thinking session for nursing students. Participants will engage in activities designed to spark creativity and explore how AI can be applied to innovate within the healthcare sector. The workshop will be delivered by Prof. Margaret Mangion.

As part of World Creativity and Innovation Week, an interactive workshop will be delivered to a group of approximately 30 girls aged between 7 and 10. The session will engage participants in imaginative and collaborative activities focused on identifying everyday challenges and generating creative ideas to improve their environment and community. The event will be coordinated by Prof. Margaret Mangion and Ms Jeanelle Salamone, leader of the 14 St Joseph Sliema Girl Guide group.

SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

A similar interactive session will be delivered to Year 2 students at Lija Primary School within St Theresa College. The workshop will engage young learners in imaginative and collaborative activities, encouraging them to explore everyday challenges and generate creative ideas to improve their environment and community.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities