- 23,000 people have already successfully completed the training and are being given free AI software licenses.
At the Palace of Sant’Anton, Prime Minister Robert Abela addressed the ‘State of the Nation’ conference with the theme ‘The Maltese Population and the Maltese Nation in Fifty Years’, where he stressed that the decisions taken today will be decisive for what our country will be like in the next fifty years.
The Prime Minister referred to the verdict in the trial on the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the subsequent sentence of the Criminal Court, while stressing that at this sensitive moment prudence and caution are needed in the public debate so as not to prejudice the work and processes of the institutions. He reiterated his confidence in the country’s institutions and said that the duty of the Government is to continue to provide them with the tools and resources necessary to work independently, serenely and with full respect for the rule of law. In this context, he also made reference to various reforms that have been carried out to strengthen the justice sector. At the same time, he again appealed for such a case not to be used for partisan purposes or in a way that harms the country and trust in its institutions.
Dr Abela said that despite the unprecedented challenges our country has faced in recent years, the Government has continued to prioritise the creation of a long-term vision. In this context, he stressed that the Malta 2050 Vision, with intermediate targets up to 2035, should serve as a foundation for a more modern, sustainable and resilient economy and society.
Dr Abela spoke about the major changes that Artificial Intelligence, robotics and advances in science are bringing. He stressed that Malta is in a strong position to benefit from these technologies and recalled the €100 million investment in AI and the digital core. He said that around 40,000 people have registered for the AI for All initiative, while 23,000 have already successfully completed the training, and are being given a free license of AI software.
“We believe it and we will achieve it: to become the most AI-friendly country in Europe”, said the Prime Minister, while emphasizing that technological progress should always be put at the service of humanity and not to its detriment. He reiterated that when seven years ago no one was talking about AI, the Government presented the first national strategy which was implemented, so that now it will be updated through another strategy.
Regarding the economy, the Prime Minister said that Malta must continue to move towards an economy with more added value, less dependence on the volume of workers and more quality careers. He mentioned the investments being attracted in MedTech, alternative energy and advanced industries.
The Prime Minister also stated that the discussion on foreign workers should be balanced and based on the real needs of the economy. He explained that the Government is focusing on only bringing in workers from third countries in sectors where there is a need, while protecting the interests of Maltese workers.
Dr Abela concluded by saying that the greatest investment for the future remains in the education, talent and skills of the Maltese people. He stressed that while we face great challenges, our country has the potential to turn them into opportunities. “Therefore, we must be united to continue to come up with the best ideas for the Malta we love so much,” concluded Prime Minister Robert Abela.
Photo: OPM
