King Felipe VI expressed gratitude to the OECD for selecting Spain to host the Ministerial Conference on the Digital Economy in Europe, marking the first time this event takes place on European soil. He underscored the need for urgent attention to both the risks and opportunities that digitalization brings into everyday life, highlighting a balanced approach that embraces innovation while safeguarding citizens.
During the gala dinner at the Pérez Galdós Theater in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which brought together representatives from fifty countries, the King paused mid‑speech to acknowledge the islands that have welcomed millions of visitors in recent months. The message was clear: Europe’s premier winter destination is a fitting stage for discussing digital economy priorities.
With a light touch, he noted,
They’re in the Canary Islands. It’s a good place to be at this time of year,
and added that the setting was an excellent choice for the gathering. The dinner featured key figures including the First Vice-President of the Government, Nadia Calviño; OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann; and the head of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres. The King emphasized the conference slogan: Building a reliable, sustainable and inclusive digital future, a guiding theme that frames the discussions to come.
He pointed out that digitization, massive data exchange, and artificial intelligence are driving the global economy, permeating every sector and touching all facets of life. While these forces carry vast potential for innovation, well‑being, and prosperity, they also pose risks of misuse and harm. This dual nature represents a challenge for governments everywhere.
In this context, the monarch stressed the need for urgent attention, leadership, and concrete action from policymakers around the world. The pursuit of a better society will be closely and inevitably linked to how successfully digital transformation is managed today and in the near future.
Spain’s hosting of the first OECD Ministerial Conference in Europe was framed as a recognition of the country’s important role in digital transformation and as a firm commitment to address it as a central national objective. The King expressed confidence that the discussions in Maspalomas, on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, could yield a balanced approach that spreads the benefits of digitalization to all while safeguarding citizens, society, and the economy from potential risks.
He also highlighted the relevance of tackling topics such as digital rights, connectivity, and the persistent digital divide, as well as combating misinformation online. The conversations are seen as contributing to a broader digital transformation that supports a greener, more sustainable transition and aligns with the values of openness and accountability in governance.
For the King, Spain’s role in hosting the OECD dialogue is more than a ceremonial mark; it stands as a validation of the country’s leadership in digital strategy and its steadfast commitment to shaping a future where technology serves people and protects their rights. The emphasis remained on a human-centered approach to digital evolution, ensuring that progress respects fundamental freedoms and dignity.
Ultimately, the aim is to foster inclusive progress that reaches all segments of society, while maintaining robust safeguards that prevent abuses and disparities. The gathered officials and observers left Maspalomas with a shared understanding: digital progress must be guided by responsibility, transparency, and a firm commitment to human wellbeing, now and for generations to come. (OECD attribution)