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6 COMMERCIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 SEPTEMBER 2026 Konferenza MITA 2026: Exploring the future of digital government and cybersecurity FOLLOWING the success of its inaugural edition, Konferenza MITA is set to return on 13th and 14th October 2026, bringing together international experts, policymakers, technology lead- ers and industry professionals for two days of discussion, knowl- edge-sharing and forward-look- ing insight into an increasingly complex digital world. This year's edition will explore two key themes. The first day will focus on "Gvern Diġitali", exploring the future of digital government, leadership, artificial intelligence and emerging tech- nologies. The second day will mark the eighth edition of Cyber Root, MITA's established cyber- security conference, turning the spotlight towards the evolving threats, vulnerabilities and hu- man challenges shaping the cy- ber landscape. Together, the two-day pro- gramme will examine some of the most pressing questions arising from digital transforma- tion: how can technology be har- nessed responsibly, how can or- ganisations prepare for emerging risks, and what kind of leadership is required in an age defined by artificial intelligence and unprec- edented technological change? As technology continues to reshape the way governments, businesses and society operate, Konferenza MITA 2026 will look beyond innovation itself to con- sider the opportunities it creates alongside the risks, responsibil- ities and ethical questions that inevitably follow. The first day, Gvern Diġitali, will focus on the future of digital government, leadership, artificial intelligence and emerging tech- nologies. The programme will open with welcome addresses by Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana and MITA CEO Ing. Emanuel Darmanin, setting the stage for a day focused on digital leadership, innovation and the technologies transform- ing public administration. Among the distinguished speakers is Nina Sawetz, Media and Crisis Adviser at Future PR, who will examine the critical role of CEOs during cyber incidents and the impact that leadership and communication can have on an organisation's reputation dur- ing a crisis. The programme will also fea- ture Tamara Srzentic, Montene- gro's first Digital Minister, who will explore how governments can build more effective, adapt- able and resilient institutions in an era of rapid technological change. Artificial intelligence will take centre stage with Priya Lakhani OBE, award-winning entrepre- neur and founder of CENTURY Tech, who will explore the cur- rent AI landscape and the skills needed to live, work and inno- vate alongside increasingly pow- erful AI technologies. Another major area of discus- sion will be the rise of deepfakes and synthetic media. Henry Ajder, a globally recognised ex- pert and adviser on generative AI, will explore how deepfakes are changing the cybersecurity and information landscape, and what organisations and socie- ty can do to respond to a world where seeing is no longer neces- sarily believing. The second day will shift the focus towards cybersecurity with Cyber Root, now entering its eighth edition and continu- ing its role as a platform for ex- amining the threats confronting organisations and individuals in an increasingly connected world. Award-winning cybersecurity keynote speaker Graham Cluley will examine the complex rela- tionship between artificial in- telligence and cyber risk, while Rebecca Taylor, Threat Intelli- gence Knowledge Manager and Researcher at Sophos, will ex- plore the growing role of access brokers in modern cybercrime. The programme will also ad- dress one of the most challenging aspects of cybersecurity, the hu- man factor. BBC reporter, pre- senter, podcaster and author Joe Tidy will explore the rising threat of teenage hacking groups, while social engineer Jenny Radcliffe will examine how culture, confi- dence and human behaviour can influence security. Adding another important di- mension to the conversation, Cecilie Fjellhøy, co-founder of LoveSaid and a leading voice in fraud prevention and financial safety, will explore the human mechanics behind modern fraud and how deception is increas- ingly designed to exploit human behaviour. The conversation will extend beyond the realms of cybersecu- rity and technology, placing equal emphasis on the increasingly val- uable role of human connection in a digital-first world. Alexandra Forsyth, founder, podcast host and public speaker, will explore the evolving relationship be- tween technology, community and human interaction, and the importance of preserving mean- ingful connections as digital ex- periences become ever more em- bedded in our everyday lives. Across the two days, keynote presentations, panel discussions, conversations and Q&A sessions will bring together a broad range of perspectives, encouraging par- ticipants to look beyond individ- ual technologies and consider the wider implications of digital transformation. The result promises to be a conference not simply about technology, but about leader- ship, trust, resilience, people and the choices that will shape the digital future. The conference will culminate in the Cyber Awards 2026, cel- ebrating achievements, innova- tion and contributions within Malta's cybersecurity communi- ty. The awards will recognise those individuals, entities and organ- isations whose vision, expertise and commitment are helping to strengthen Malta's cyber resil- ience, while celebrating those making a tangible and lasting contribution to safeguarding the country's increasingly complex digital landscape. With artifi- cial intelligence accelerating the pace of technological change and cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, the importance of collaboration, awareness and strong digital leadership has nev- er been greater. Konferenza MITA 2026 arrives at a time when the boundaries between technology, govern- ment, business and society are becoming increasingly inter- connected. The decisions being made today will influence not only how organisations operate, but also how communities in- teract with technology and how effectively societies can respond to the opportunities and risks ahead. For Malta's technology and business community, the con- ference represents an oppor- tunity to engage with leading international voices, challenge established thinking, exchange ideas and gain a broader per- spective on the forces shaping the digital landscape. As Malta continues to strength- en its position within the inter- national digital and technology ecosystem, Konferenza MITA 2026 is poised to become an im- portant platform for conversa- tions that matter — helping to shape a digital future that is not only innovative, but also resil- ient, responsible, secure and dis- tinctly human. For more information, up- dates and further details, visit the https://mita.gov.mt/kon- ferenza-mita/. Stay connect- ed with us by following our social media channels, where we will continue to share the latest news, highlights and de- velopments. Join the conversa- tion and keep up to date with everything happening around this year's conference.