Malta’s Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDPC), Reno Borg, participated in the 2nd EU-LAC Digital Alliance High-Level Policy Dialogue on Data Governance, held in Madrid on 29 and 30 September.

The event brought together more than 100 policymakers, data protection authorities and digital governance experts from the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss data protection, trusted artificial intelligence, secure international data transfers and digital cooperation.

Organised within the framework of the EU-LAC Digital Alliance and the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, the dialogue aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two regions and identify practical solutions for a safer and more trustworthy digital environment. Malta was among eight EU Member States represented at the meeting.

Discussions focused on the importance of robust data governance frameworks that protect individuals’ rights while enabling secure cross-border data flows, innovation and economic growth. Participants also exchanged views on building trust in artificial intelligence through principles such as transparency, accountability and strong personal data protection safeguards.

The dialogue concluded with agreement on a number of shared priorities, including enhancing interoperability and standardisation, improving data quality, strengthening cybersecurity, developing practical mechanisms for international data transfers, and investing in trusted digital infrastructure. Participants also emphasised the need to translate policy discussions into concrete cooperation and implementation.

Commissioner Borg’s participation underlined Malta’s continued commitment to advancing high standards in data protection and contributing to international efforts aimed at building secure, citizen-centred and trustworthy digital ecosystems.