The Ministry for Heritage was once again represented at an international academic conference focused on Gibraltar’s language, culture, history and identity, with Government Archaeologist Dominic Lopez participating in the Gibraltar International Conference 4 (GIC4), held at the University of Cádiz between 6–8 May 2026.

The conference, now in its fourth edition, brought together writers, linguists, historians, academics, heritage professionals and researchers from a wide range of universities and institutions to discuss themes relating to Gibraltar’s identity, multilingualism, literature, colonial history and frontier spaces. Participants included representatives from the University of Vigo, University of Basel, Cambridge University, University of Essex, University of Turin, University of Cádiz, University of Seville, University of Barcelona, University of Gibraltar and Gibraltarians for a Multilingual Society, amongst others.

During the conference, Dominic Lopez delivered a presentation entitled “Colonial Educational Policies in Gibraltar and Their Role in Language and Cultural Loss”, examining the role played by educational reforms implemented during the 19th and 20th centuries in reshaping Gibraltar’s linguistic and cultural landscape. The presentation explored the transition from Gibraltar’s historically bilingual educational environment towards an increasingly anglicised system, particularly following the Clifford and Howes educational reforms during and after the Second World War.

The themes discussed at GIC4 also build upon research previously presented locally during the Gibraltar Heritage Journal Seminar held at the Gibraltar Garrison Library in December 2025.

This is not the first time that the Ministry for Heritage has participated in the Gibraltar International Conference series or collaborated with academic institutions on subjects relating to Gibraltar’s heritage and identity.

In 2024, the Ministry for Heritage was represented at the University of Vigo during Gibraltar International Conference 2 (GIC2), where Dominic Lopez delivered a paper entitled “Gibraltar: Colonialism and Spanish Immigration”, examining British colonial demographic policies and the historic relationship between Gibraltar and the Campo de Gibraltar.

Similarly, in November 2025, the Ministry for Heritage was invited by conference organisers to deliver the opening presentation at the “Along the Frontiers” conference at the University of Cádiz, where Dominic Lopez presented “Heritage at the Frontier: New Strategies for Management, Interpretation and Identity in Gibraltar.”

That presentation focused on how Gibraltar is increasingly using heritage as a form of public education and cultural engagement through interpretation panels, memorials, historical timelines, heritage trails and vernacular street names. The presentation highlighted how Gibraltar is gradually transforming its urban environment into what was described as an “open-air classroom”, allowing residents and visitors alike to engage directly with Gibraltar’s multi-layered history and identity. 

Minister for Heritage, Prof. John Cortes, said: “The Gibraltar International Conference has become an important academic and cultural forum bringing together researchers, writers, linguists, heritage professionals and institutions from Gibraltar and internationally to discuss Gibraltar’s history, language, identity and culture. It is therefore extremely important that Gibraltar itself, including Government, local associations, academics and writers, actively participate in these discussions and contribute to the growing international academic understanding of Gibraltar and its people.

“I am very pleased that the Ministry for Heritage was once again represented at GIC4 by Government Archaeologist Dominic Lopez, and that Gibraltar was also represented by a strong group of local academics, researchers, writers and cultural figures. Their presentations covered subjects ranging from Llanito and multilingualism to literature, identity, memory and Gibraltar’s evolving cultural landscape.

“Particularly encouraging was the significant academic attention given during the conference to Gibraltarian literature and writers, especially internationally recognised author M. G. Sanchez and writer Humbert Hernandez. It was extremely positive to see respected academics from universities across Europe analysing and discussing Gibraltarian literature in depth, demonstrating the growing international recognition of Gibraltar’s literary and cultural contribution.

“I congratulate all Gibraltarian participants involved in this year’s conference and thank the organisers at the University of Cádiz for continuing to provide such an important platform for discussion, research and cultural exchange.”