Biogrpahy

Clifford Galea Vella is a Maltese cultural communicator, academic researcher, media producer and public sector leader with over two decades of experience across culture, education, communications, tourism and public diplomacy.

He currently serves as Malta’s High Commissioner to Namibia, while also holding leadership roles in Malta’s cultural and regional governance landscape, including President of the North Region (Reġjun Tramuntana) and Assistant Director within the Culture Directorate. His work bridges policy, heritage, creative industries and international representation, with a strong focus on identity, community participation and cultural sustainability.

Clifford’s career began in education as a secondary school history teacher before expanding into national cultural policy, communications consultancy and broadcasting. He has held senior communications roles across several ministries, including the Ministry for Active Ageing and the Ministry for Research, Innovation and Post-COVID Strategy, leading media strategy, public engagement and national campaigns.

Alongside public service, Clifford is widely recognised as a radio and television presenter, producer and columnist. Since 2000, he has created and hosted numerous cultural and current affairs programmes for TVM, ONE TV and radio stations, including Teżori, Gramma, Indigo, Min-Nicca ’l Barra, and Stradarjali Cultural Spots. He is also a regular contributor to Maltese newspapers and cultural publications.

Academically, Clifford holds a Master’s degree in Baroque Studies, a BA (Hons) in History, a PGCE, and is currently reading for a PhD in Cultural Tourism, researching the Maltese village festa as a cultural tourism resource through ethnographic and interpretivist approaches.

His work extends internationally through UNESCO-related initiatives, COP climate forums, the UN High Level Political Forum in New York, and cultural heritage representation abroad, including China and Azerbaijan. He is also an active patron of the arts, cultural organiser, author and editor, with publications ranging from cultural research to youth literature.

At the heart of Clifford’s professional journey lies a commitment to heritage, communication, creativity and community building, using culture as a living resource for social cohesion, tourism development and international dialogue.