Malta Hosts High-Level Conference on Combating Disinformation and Strengthening Democratic Resilience
Kalkara, Malta – In a significant international effort to counter the growing threat of disinformation, Malta hosted a high-level conference on “Building Democratic Resilience to Disinformation” on Wednesday. Organized by the Council of Europe and the Maltese Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the conference served as a platform for diverse stakeholders – including government representatives, policymakers, regulators, civil society organizations, journalists, academics, and tech industry representatives – to discuss and develop effective, rights-based strategies to combat disinformation and bolster democratic resilience. The event held particular significance as it coincided with Malta’s 2025 Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, underscoring the nation’s commitment to addressing this critical issue.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, inaugurated the conference, emphasizing the crucial role of media and digital literacy in safeguarding democratic values. He highlighted the necessity of a multi-faceted approach, encompassing education, citizen engagement, and cross-generational digital literacy initiatives. Borg stressed the importance of incorporating media literacy into school curricula and promoting lifelong learning opportunities to empower individuals with the skills to critically evaluate information and resist manipulation. He acknowledged the valuable insights of digitally native youth while also recognizing the persistent digital divide that leaves many older citizens vulnerable to online misinformation. The Deputy Prime Minister called for collaborative action among governments, civil society groups, educators, journalists, academics, and the tech sector to ensure that all citizens possess the necessary tools to navigate the complex information landscape.
Malta’s consistent prioritization of the fight against disinformation and the promotion of media and digital literacy on the international stage was underscored throughout the conference. Borg reiterated the country’s focus on these issues during its 2023-2024 term at the UN Security Council, the 2024 OSCE Chairpersonship, and the current Presidency of the Council of Europe. He emphasized the inextricable link between truth, trust, and the very foundations of democracy, highlighting the urgency of protecting these values in the face of online manipulation and misinformation campaigns.
The conference took on a poignant dimension as it addressed the tragic consequences of unchecked disinformation campaigns, particularly the threats faced by journalists. Referencing the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, Deputy Prime Minister Borg underscored the pressing need for international collaboration to ensure the safety and protection of journalists worldwide. He stressed that protecting media professionals is not solely a national concern but a shared responsibility of all democratic nations committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
The assassination of Caruana Galizia served as a stark reminder of the real-world dangers faced by journalists investigating sensitive issues and holding power to account. The conference participants acknowledged the crucial role of a free and independent press in democratic societies and the importance of robust mechanisms to protect journalists from intimidation, violence, and other forms of reprisal. The discussions emphasized the need for greater accountability for those who perpetrate attacks against journalists and the importance of creating a safe and enabling environment for investigative journalism to flourish.
The High-Level Conference on Building Democratic Resilience to Disinformation served as a crucial forum for international cooperation and the development of effective strategies to counter the spread of disinformation and protect the integrity of democratic processes. The event underscored the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, civil society, the media, academia, and the tech sector, in tackling this complex challenge. The discussions focused on the need for enhanced media literacy, critical thinking skills, fact-checking initiatives, and regulatory frameworks that address the spread of disinformation while respecting fundamental rights and freedoms. The conference also highlighted the urgent need to protect journalists and ensure their safety in the face of increasing threats and attacks.