The International Association of Lions Clubs Walled Cities was formed fifteen years ago in Lucca Italy by the Lions Club Lucca Le Mura. Eventually this association grew to encompass various other clubs from 22 different nations. Lions Club Mdina was one of the founder members of this association. The idea of this association is to bring together various cities from all around the world that are surrounded by ancient walls, with the aim to discuss ways and means how these Walls can be preserved. Although these city walls vary in style and architecture, most of them are in dire need to be restored and the idea of this convention is to learn from the experiences of other cities the technicalities of how this restoration was done.

In Malta we have a number of cities that are surrounded by walls and most of these walls are relatively in a good state. However through the experience of other countries we can acquire more knowledge how to preserve these gems for the benefit of future generations.

This conference, being held between the 31st May and 3rd June 2018 at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, is held every year in a different city member of the Association therefore it also serves to expose the cultural aspect, the art and the architecture of the city that is hosting the conference and can act as a incentive to promote tourism in general. The aim of the conference is to discuss the preservation of our cultural heritage by exposing our art and architecture to the visitors attending the conference. Various cultural tours are being organised such as visits to Valletta, Mdina and the Ċittadella in Gozo.

The Walled Cities conference is endorsed by the Valletta 2018 Foundation.