Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545039
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 22 MAY 2026 NEWS THE Government has launched 'AI for Everyone, a national on- line literacy course on Artifi- cial Intelligence. The primary objective of this initiative is to equip the public with a com- prehensive understanding of AI, empowering them to utilise these technologies confident- ly, securely, and responsibly. Through this initiative, the Government is making AI edu- cation accessible to all citizens and residents in Malta and Gozo aged 14 and over. The launch of this program marks anoth- er important milestone toward Malta Vision 2050, ensuring the nation is equipped with the nec- essary competencies to navigate both current and future digital landscapes. Developed by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) in partnership with the University of Malta, this self- paced course is available online at no cost. It has been strategi- cally designed to accommodate individuals of all demographics and professional backgrounds, requiring no prerequisite tech- nical expertise. The course in- troduces foundational AI con- cepts in an accessible manner, emphasizing the practical appli- cation of AI to drive productiv- ity, enhance continuous learn- ing, and foster innovation in daily life. Upon completing the foundational modules, partic- ipants may pursue specialized, industry-specific tracks aligned with their career trajectories, ultimately receiving an official certificate upon completion. To ensure that Maltese and Gozitan citizens have con- venient access to these tools, the Government is launching an international partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft. Through this collaboration, individuals who complete the approximately two-hour course will receive a free one-year sub- scription to either ChatGPT Plus or Microsoft 365 Personal Copilot. Consequently, those who finish the course will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned to their dai- ly lives, further improving their quality of life and work. In 2019, Malta was among the first countries to take signifi- cant steps toward establishing a strategic and ethical frame- work for Artificial Intelligence, with the goal of making Malta a driver of digital innovation. This strategy is currently be- ing updated to reflect the latest developments. This ongoing commitment was further un- derscored in the Budget, which announced a €100 million in- vestment for digitalisation and the adoption of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Cyberse- curity, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Blockchain, and Robot- ics in our country. The objec- tive is to increase efficiency and become more competitive. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg explained that shortly after this initiative was announced in October last year as part of the 2026 Budget, he held meetings in Silicon Val- ley in the United States, where Maltese diplomats facilitated contacts between OpenAI and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA). He praised the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Pro- jects, as well as everyone who worked on this initiative, for concluding the discussions in a short time so that the initiative could be implemented without delay. "With this initiative, we are sending a clear message that in our country, we do not want anyone to be left behind — we want everyone to benefit from the potential of technology for a better life. AI is changing everything we do, and there- fore we are not only making this technology available to every- one, but we are also helping ensure that everyone has the opportunity to understand how to use it in the best possible and responsible way. Ultimately, in the face of a world full of un- certainties, investing in Maltese and Gozitan citizens is the best defense — the resilience and prosperity of our country begin with the strength and capabili- ties of each and every one of us," Borg said. During the launch event, Minister for the Economy, En- terprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri emphasised that this course reflects Mal- ta's broader ambition to build a more digitally confident society, equipped with strong skills and ready for the future. "Through this course, we are ensuring that every citizen has the chance to build the confidence and neces- sary skills to succeed in a digital world. By pairing this education with free access to advanced digital tools like ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft 365 Personal Copilot, we are transforming a concept that may not be very fa- miliar into a practical, everyday aid for our families, students, and workers. The fact that we are among the first in the world to take this step means we are ensuring our people stay at the forefront to secure the best op- portunities," Schembri said. The Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), Kenneth Brincat, said: "'AI for Everyone' marks the beginning of Malta's national journey in Artificial Intelligence literacy. This is a journey that places people at the centre of our digital future. An- yone can access ai4all.gov.mt, follow the information provid- ed, and start the online course using their e-ID from a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. The course is offered in both Mal- tese and English. After com- pleting the online course, users will receive an email granting access to the digital tool offered through this initiative, accord- ing to their preference." George Osborne, Head of OpenAI for Countries said, "With this partnership, Malta is leading Europe and the world in bringing AI to all its citizens. Intelligence is becoming a na- tional utility and all govern- ments have an important role to play in making sure their popu- lations have both the access and the skills to make the most of AI. So I congratulate the Mal- tese authorities for their vision and ambition on behalf of their people. This is exactly the kind of strategic initiative that will speed AI adoption and bring the benefits of this transforma- tive technology to the economy and the everyday lives of people. Where Malta leads, I hope oth- ers will follow." Tilenachos Moraitis from Microsoft said, "Today Malta is sending a powerful message about the AI era: access and opportunity should belong to everyone. With this national program, Maltese citizens and residents can build AI literacy through free online modules and then receive a free one-year premium AI subscription — making "AI for all" real, prac- tical, and inclusive. We are proud that the Government of Malta and MDIA have invited Microsoft as a trusted partner in this journey — building on Malta's momentum, including last year's investment to intro- duce Microsoft Copilot across the public service, backed by training and a Centre of Excel- lence. In the AI economy, the most important infrastructure is not just data centres — it is human capability. Today, Malta is investing in that capability at national scale." Launch of the online course AI for Everyone Developed by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) in partnership with the University of Malta, this self-paced course is available online at no cost