As Malta looks ahead to 2026, Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant idea but a defining force of our time. The challenge before us is not simply to adopt new technologies, but to ensure they are guided by people, values, and inclusion, so that progress benefits every generation.

As we approach 2026, this year must be recognised as The Year of AI for Malta — not as a slogan, but as a national commitment to progress, responsibility, and opportunity for all. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept. It is already reshaping how we work, learn, govern, and live. The real question before us is not whether AI will impact our society, but how we choose to shape that impact.

In Parliament, my work on AI and Digital Affairs has always been guided by one clear principle: technology must serve people, not replace them. Through parliamentary debate, committee work, and constant engagement with stakeholders across education, industry, and public administration, I have consistently advocated for a balanced, human-centric approach to AI — one that encourages innovation while firmly safeguarding ethics, transparency, data protection, and digital wellbeing.

The Government’s commitment to this agenda is clearly reflected in the Budget for 2026, which places digital transformation, artificial intelligence, skills development, and innovation at the heart of national investment. This is not just about funding technology, but about investing in people — in education, in upskilling, and in preparing Malta for a rapidly evolving digital economy aligned with the long-term goals of Vision Malta 2050.

On a personal level, this commitment reflects a journey I have followed consistently over many years. Throughout my professional and public life, I have always been upfront and actively involved in delivering training and education in ICT for all generations — from young learners taking their first digital steps, to workers reskilling mid-career, to adults and seniors embracing technology later in life. 

This belief has never changed: access to digital skills empowers people. Technology has already created countless opportunities over the years, and with AI and emerging sectors now accelerating change, that responsibility is greater than ever.

Education and AI literacy must therefore remain central to our national strategy. AI cannot be the privilege of a few experts; it must be understood by students, educators, workers, SMEs, public servants, and citizens alike. By fostering awareness, critical thinking, and practical skills, we enable people not only to use AI tools, but to guide them responsibly, challenge them when needed, and apply them in ways that benefit society as a whole.

The opportunities before us are immense — from better healthcare and smarter public services to more competitive businesses and new, high-quality jobs. For a small country, this is a moment to lead by being agile, ethical, and inclusive. Malta can show that innovation and social responsibility are not opposites, but partners.

As a Member of Parliament, I remain fully committed to translating this vision into action — through legislation, education, collaboration, and long-term policy. 2026 must be the year when ambition becomes reality, when digital progress is matched by social trust, and when no one is left behind in the age of AI.

Author: Ray Abela is a Labour Member of Parliament and Chair for the Parliamentary Committee for AI and Digital Affairs