The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Global Innovation Forum 2024 conference is being held this week in Malta with the theme of a 'digital future for the benefit of all' which is central to the recently announced Viżjoni Malta 2050, Minister for Economy Silvio Schembri said Monday. 

Malta has welcomed over 100 delegates from 194 countries as it is hosting the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Global Innovation Forum 2024 conference. This forum serves as a platform for more development of new ideas and solutions for the challenges of the digital innovation ecosystems with the theme this year being on a digital future for the benefit of all, a principle that is also central to Viżjoni Malta 2050 and that shows Malta's commitment to continue advancing in the digital innvoation sector.

At the opening, Schembri spoke of the country's commitment for strategic innovation whilst emphasizing that innovation always was at the heart of the Maltese identity. "The fortifications of Valletta, designed centuries ago, do not only represent a military provision but a constant spirit of resilience and preparation which held held onto to this day," he said.

"It is an honour that the ITU chose Malta to host the Global Invoation Forum and it shows how advanced Malta is in the sector of digital innovation. This event is proof of Malta's continuous dedication to create a digital future that is prosperous and inclusive."

Schembri went on to emphasize Malta's role in the digital sector when it was the first country in the world to implement a legal framework for vitual financial assets which went on to be adopted by the EU. He added that Malta made exceptional steps in the digital infrastructure achieving 100% in digital public services, 5G coverage and access to the high velocity network. He added that the latest Eurobarometer found that 80% of the Maltese population felt that digitalization had a psotive impact on their daily lives, exceeding the EU average of 73%