Konferenza MITA 2026

Malta’s digital transformation, responsible use of artificial intelligence and the growing importance of cybersecurity were at the heart of Konferenza MITA 2026, a two-day event bringing together policymakers, international experts and technology professionals to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the country’s digital future.

Held on the 13th and 14th October, the conference explored two key themes: digital government and cybersecurity, highlighting the need to balance technological innovation with strong governance, secure digital infrastructure and public trust.

The first day, held under the theme Gvern Diġitali, focused on the role of digital transformation in improving public services and strengthening Malta’s journey towards a Digital State.

Opening the conference, Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana stressed that digital transformation requires more than technological investment, it also demands leadership and a change in mindset. He announced that the Office of the Chief AI Officer and its team were already operational, supporting the ethical and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across the public sector.

Mr. Sultana also highlighted the importance of investing in employees’ skills and embedding cybersecurity into digital services from the outset. He encouraged participants to translate the discussions into concrete decisions that improve public services and make people’s lives easier.

MITA CEO Ing. Emanuel Darmanin similarly emphasised the potential of AI to help public sector employees address challenges, solve problems and develop innovative solutions. He underlined the importance of adopting these technologies responsibly, ensuring that innovation does not introduce unnecessary risks.

The ultimate objective, he explained, is to make public services simpler, more efficient and accessible to everyone. Through collaboration and innovation, the Government aims to strengthen citizens’ trust in public institutions while improving their quality of life.

On the second day, attention shifted towards cybersecurity with CYBER ROOT 2026, the eighth edition of MITA’s leading cybersecurity conference. The programme brought together local and international specialists to examine emerging cyber threats, AI-related risks, modern cybercrime, social engineering and the human factors that influence organisational security.

In his keynote address, Ing. Darmanin highlighted the importance of recognising early warning signs and acting before minor vulnerabilities develop into serious cyber incidents. He noted that threats often begin with seemingly insignificant indicators that may go unnoticed or fail to receive the attention they require.

“The attacker does not always break down the door, sometimes, the attacker persuades us to open it,” he remarked, emphasising the critical role of human awareness in preventing cyberattacks.

He added that effective cybersecurity extends beyond technology. Although robust infrastructure, continuous monitoring and appropriate security controls remain essential, lasting protection also depends on people, strong organisational practices and trust.

The conference concluded with the second edition of the Cyber Awards 2026, which recognised contributions to Malta’s cybersecurity community across both the public and private sectors.

Through Konferenza MITA, the Agency continues to provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation between Government, industry and the wider technology community. By bringing together expertise from different sectors, the event encourages the exchange of ideas on how Malta can embrace digital innovation responsibly while preparing for emerging risks.

Konferenza MITA 2026 reinforced the message that technological progress alone is not enough to secure a successful digital future. Effective governance, cybersecurity awareness, collaboration and continued investment in digital capabilities remain essential to ensuring that innovation delivers meaningful benefits to citizens, businesses and public services.

The conference reflects MITA’s ongoing commitment to supporting Malta’s digital transformation and promoting a secure, resilient and forward-looking digital environment.