The National Conference themed “Data for Today and Tomorrow” was held on the 17th November 2025 at the Malta University Campus in Valletta, bringing together leading figures in the statistical and data community.
Opening Address – Mr. Etienne Caruana, NSO Director General
Mr. Caruana opened the conference with a comprehensive overview of the organisation’s short-to-medium term plans. He encouraged active participation in all panel discussions, stressing that the insights gathered would help strengthen the NSO’s role as Malta’s central hub for official data and enhance its connection with diverse audiences.
Highlights – Dr. Carl Camilleri, MSA Chairman
Dr. Camilleri presented findings from last year’s user survey, which confirmed the NSO’s strong reputation and high level of public trust. This trust stems from the NSO’s strict adherence to the European Statistics Code of Practice in its production and dissemination processes.
He also reflected on the challenges and opportunities facing statistical institutions, including:
- Advances in computational power,
- Adoption of open-source software, and
- Integration of artificial intelligence into statistical systems.
Dr. Camilleri highlighted that while AI and the acquisition of privately held data offer transformative potential, they also introduce new legal and ethical challenges that must be carefully addressed.
Contribution – Mr. Jean Pierre Poncelet, Eurostat
Representing Eurostat, Mr. Jean Pierre Poncelet, Director for Standards, Dissemination, and Cooperation in the European Statistical System, reiterated the importance of upholding the Code of Practice in today’s highly polarised political landscape. He also provided insights into the European Statistical Programme, underlining the value of collaboration across national statistical institutes to ensure credibility, resilience, and innovation in official statistics across the EU.
Panel Discussions
Panels on Economics, Social, and Business Statistics followed, featuring contributions from: Mr. Spiteri Gingell, Ms. Marisa Xuereb, Prof. Philip von Brockdorff, Mr. J.P. Fabri, Prof. Sue Vella, Mr. Silvan Mifsud, Dr. Marthese Portelli, Dr. Aaron G. Grech and Mr Toni Attard.
Key Outputs of the Discussions
A more balanced approach towards timely data for decision-making, even if quality aspects may need to be moderated.
Improved data retrieval tools to assist users and researchers.
Increased availability of granular data content.
Expansion of data products covering non-regulated sectors.
Methodological alignment to better meet national priorities.
