In celebration of , held between 15–21 April, the Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking and Innovation at the University of Malta delivered a varied programme of events in collaboration with a range of local entities. 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 solving global challenges.
Curated by Professor Margaret Mangion, Malta’s ambassador for WCIW and Board Member for WCIW Europe, the Institute coordinated 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 aligned with relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the power of creative thinking to drive positive, sustainable change.
Highlights of WCIW Activities:
- 11 March 2025 – Doctoral Workshop: Critical and Creative Thinking
In collaboration with the Doctoral School, the Institute hosted a workshop for PhD students on the importance of integrating critical and creative thinking into academic writing and research. Delivered by Prof. Margaret Mangion, the session emphasises critical engagement with scholarly resources.
SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals
- 2 April 2025 – Possibility Thinking with Year 7 Students
A lively and imaginative session at St Albert the Great School invited around 50 Year 7 students to explore their aspirations by designing their "dream jobs." Facilitated by Prof. Mangion, with support from Ms Natalie Lombardi Calleja and Ms Roberta Trapani Maggi, the workshop encouraged self-reflection and engagement with possibility thinking.
SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals
- 3 April 2025 – Creativity in a Changing Climate
At St Ignatius College, Prof. Edward de Bono Handaq Middle School, science students participated in a workshop on water conservation through creative thinking. The session was facilitated by Prof. Mangion, Dr Censu Caruana, and Dr Julian Mamo, and students developed actionable conservation plans using innovative methods.
This workshop was jointly organised by the Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking and Innovation, the Institute of Earth Systems, and the Centre for Environmental Education & Research, highlighting the University of Malta’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
SDG4 Quality Education and SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 7 April 2025 – Creative Thinking Workshop at the UM Library
An interactive workshop was held to enhance creativity and innovation skills, recognising the increasing importance of idea generation in the 21st century. The session targeted both professional and personal contexts within the university environment. This event was organised and hosted by the Library at UM and delivered by Prof. Margaret Mangion.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
- 8 April 2025 – Solve & Share Event
Students and staff gathered on the Library Terrace to celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Week by sharing challenges, ideas, and words of encouragement at the “Share & Solve” event. Organised as a hands-on, community-driven activity, participants had the opportunity to anonymously post personal or academic challenges on Big Boards, inviting creative solutions and support from passers-by.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Student Help Hub.
SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
29 April 2025 – Workshop for Nurses: Creative Problem Solving in Policy
The Edward de Bono Institute for Creativity and Innovation, in partnership with the Ministry for Active Ageing, provided a group of 40 nurses with training in creative problem-solving techniques. During the half-day workshop, participants took part in various activities designed to spark creativity and encourage the application of these techniques in future planning efforts aimed at shaping active ageing policies. Prof. Margaret Mangion delivered the workshop.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 7 May 2025 – Business Workshop with a Leading Local Bank
Prof. Margaret Mangion led a specialised workshop for 40 delegates from a major Maltese bank. The session explored how creative thinking can enhance strategic planning and innovation within the corporate sector.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
- 8 May 2025 – Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation Workshop
Dr Nathalie Buhagiar and Ms Ramona Vella Vidal delivered an engaging session to increase awareness of sensory systems and their impact on learning and wellbeing. Participants learned practical strategies for achieving self-regulation.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing; SDG 4 – Quality Education
- 8 May 2025 – Inner Development Goals Workshop
Ms Pia Vassallo introduced students enrolled on the course titled A Toolkit for Thinking Out of the Box to the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework. Through reflective and collaborative exercises, students explored how creativity can drive inner and societal transformation. They engaged first hand with the IDG framework, and explored how creativity can act as a catalyst for social transformation. This journey of discovery highlighted how the role that each one of us can play in harnessing the power of collective inner development to drive positive change within our communities and beyond. Ms Vassallo facilitated the session on behalf of the IDG Valletta Community Hub. Prof. Sandra Dingli from the Edward de Bono Institute hosted the lecture.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals
