Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540671
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 24 OCTOBER 2025 NEWS THE next public talk of the Sat- urday morning series at Il-Ħaġar, happening on 1 November at 11an and delivered by Raymond C. Xerri, should be the first in the history of our nation to present scientifi- cally researched, data-driven es- timates of how many people of Gozitan and Mal- tese origin live worldwide today. GLOBAL Gozo and Global Mal- ta reveal that 410,000 Gozitans and 380,000 Mal- tese reside beyond our shores, making a combined diaspora of 800,000, from the first to fifth genera- tions. This striking reality shows that Gozo, proportionally, has one of the largest diasporas glob- ally, while Malta ranks among the world's smallest island states with one of the highest outward populations. Beyond statistics, this lecture addresses the urgent dilemma we face: the need to embrace maturity as an 'interna- tional nation', with citizens in 171 coun- tries and territories. It explores the e c o n o m i c potential of this global c o m m u - nity, high- l i g h t i n g c o u n t l e s s opportunities for mutually bene- ficial initiatives. Ultimately, it re- defines Malta and Gozo as inter- national peoples with far greater reach, unity, and promise than ever imagined. Born in New York to Gozitan parents, Chevallier Dr Raymond C. Xerri is a career diplomat of 30 years with postings across five continents. He currently heads the Gozo Diaspora & Internation- al Office within the Ministry of Gozo and Planning and serves as President of Europeans Through- out The World (ETTW), repre- senting 480 million Europeans globally. A recognised research- er with a doctorate in Gozitan Diaspora Studies, he is also an academic, author, curator and award-winning community lead- er. Admission is free but seat reser- vations are advised. For seat res- ervations, please send an email to events@heartofgozo.org.mt. Global Gozo and global Malta: unveiling the true scale of our worldwide diaspora IL-ĦAĠAR Museum in Victo- ria will host a fundraising lunch next month to support its volun- teer-run operations and cultural activities, as the institution con- tinues to rely heavily on commu- nity contributions and donations. The event, Il-Pranzu ta' San Mar- tin, will take place on Sun- day, 9 Novem- ber, at 12:30pm at Berta's Res- taurant in Cesca Boutique Hotel, overlooking the Xlendi Val- ley. The lunch marks the re- turn of the pop- ular St Martin's feast fundraiser after a break of several years. The museum, which operates entirely through volunteer work, depends on visi- tor donations and the support of its network of friends to stay open daily and maintain a year-round cultural programme. Officials said the financial assistance it receives from public and private institu- tions is "min- imal, if not n e g l i g i b l e " , making com- munity sup- port essential to its survival. "The mu- seum would not be able to function without the d e d i c a t i o n of its volun- teers, who give their time, skills and ideas to ensure that Il-Ħaġar remains open to the public seven days a week," the administration said. Reservations for the event are open until noon on Saturday, 8 November. Attendees are asked to indicate their preferred main course and any dietary require- ments when booking. The restau- rant kitchen will accommodate pescatarian and other dietary needs if informed in advance. Bookings and enquiries can be made via events@heartofgozo. org.mt, hrough the museum's social media pages, or by send- ing a WhatsApp message to +356 7956 1540. Proceeds from the lunch will go directly toward sustaining Il-Ħaġar's operations and supporting its ongoing cul- tural and educational initiatives. Il-Hagar museum to host St Martin's lunch fundraiser to support volunteer operations Il-Ħaġar Museum in Victoria will host a fundraising lunch next month to support its volunteer-run operations and cultural activities Il-Hagar Gozo Museum is open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm Global Gozo and Global Malta reveal that 410,000 Gozitans and 380,000 Maltese reside beyond our shores, making a combined diaspora of 800,000, from the first to fifth generations.