Between 27 to 29 October 2025, Valletta offered the perfect setting for the JA HEROES consortium to come together for a three-day workshop hosted at the historic Manoel Theatre. The event brought partners, experts and policymakers into the same room, both in person and online, to reflect on the progress of the Joint Action so far and to strengthen the shared commitment to building more sustainable, evidence-based health workforce planning across Europe.
The workshop began with a warm welcome over a light lunch, giving participants the chance to reconnect before diving into the programme. A soprano opened the event with a wonderful performance accompanied by a beautiful piano arrangement, creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere in the theatre. Opening remarks from WP1 and the Maltese hosts set the tone for the days ahead, followed by contributions from DG SANTE and HaDEA. Their presence underscored the broader relevance of the project and reinforced the ambition behind the Joint Action.
Throughout the first afternoon, updates from the communication, evaluation work packages and policy dialogue task helped paint a clear picture of where JA Heroes currently stands. These sessions sparked thoughtful discussions and prepared participants for the more hands-on work that followed. A central strength of the Malta workshop was the balance between informative presentations and interactive group exchanges. The Policy Dialogue workshop invited partners to share real experiences and the approaches that proved effective for them. They highlighted where they continue to face challenges and are exploring how emerging tools could better support national planning processes.
These conversations were open, practical, and firmly rooted in the realities of implementation, which made them particularly valuable. The second day shifted the focus towards sustainability, with WHO experts guiding a series of interactive workshops. Smaller group discussions provided participants with the opportunity to explore long-term workforce planning strategies in detail, encouraging them to consider how these concepts might be applied in practice within their own contexts.
The afternoon continued in the spirit of collaboration with mutual learning sessions. These offered space for task leaders and partners to discuss country cases, test methodologies, and explore the practical aspects of putting new approaches into practice. Many participants highlighted these exchanges as one of the most rewarding parts of the programme.
Alongside the work, the workshop included opportunities to experience more of Malta’s cultural richness. A guided evening tour of Mdina allowed participants to unwind while exploring the city’s history, followed by a shared dinner in the old capital that proved to be an excellent team building moment. The final afternoon offered another chance to discover Valletta, including a visit to St. John’s Co Cathedral. These shared moments added a personal layer to the event, helping strengthen the connections that make collaborative projects like JA HEROES truly work.
The final day brought everyone together to review the first EU level Policy Dialogue achievements, reflect on lessons learned and outline the next steps. Interviews were also recorded during the workshop.
As the workshop came to a close, there was a clear sense of direction and renewed motivation among participants. The three days in Malta were not just an opportunity to gather; they were a chance to align perspectives, refine ideas and reinforce the shared vision that carries JA HEROES forward.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Maltese organizing team for their exceptional hospitality and smooth coordination, as well as to all speakers, moderators and participants for their openness, dedication and thoughtful contributions. The workshop in Malta was a reminder of the strength of working together and a promising step towards the project’s next chapter.