Mercè Fort, facilitator of the Smartcentre ICT Point in Santa Bàrbara , has been part of the All Digital Summit 2026. The event was held on September 22 and 23 in the city of Belgrade, Serbia, and brought together experts from all over Europe to share their knowledge and reflections on the latest developments in digitalization, highlight the importance of ethics and digital well-being and delve into how these factors are becoming essential to shaping a digital future fully centered on people.
From the Punt TIC Network, we shared some time with her to learn about her experience.
1. How was the experience of being part of the All Digital Summit 2026?
The experience of being part of the All Digital Summit 2026 has been very, very enriching. Last year, it was my first time at this international event and I was able to enjoy going to Malta. It is true that at that time I was very much looking forward to how the event would work, the work dynamics that would be proposed or the synergies that would be established between the participants from all over Europe. This year, I went with a little more learning and a backpack full of resources, proposals and ideas.
2. Is this an opportunity for the people who drive the Punt TIC Network?
Absolutely. In fact, I think it would be a very good initiative if the people who drive the Punt TIC Network could actively participate in this international event. It is a golden opportunity to learn about experiences from other countries, listen to other voices, learn from other perspectives, grasp other ways of doing things and, above all, see that the objectives linked to digital skills are often shared. I think participating in this event helps to see that you are on the right track, that we are working in alignment.
3. Which panels would you highlight from the latest edition of the international congress?
It is a bit difficult to answer this question, because all the content was really very interesting. I would highlight, however, a panel where the importance of promoting the role of women in new technologies was discussed and which had the participation of students from different European programs. I would also highlight a panel on screens and how different generations relate to digital devices and the importance of education and the dissemination of good practices as the basis of people's health and well-being. Artificial intelligence was also a cross-cutting theme that appeared in all the talks where there was a lot of talk about the shared responsibility between all European countries to ensure that it develops safely, with respect for fundamental rights and with rules and protocols. Now, the big challenge is to transfer all this learning to the ICT Point and make it reach the public and especially the youngest, promoting activities that help them reflect on their relationship with technology. I think that as adults we have a very big responsibility and we must accompany them consciously.
4. How has it been to meet other professionals in the digital field?
For me, it has helped me a lot to reflect, to question, to get to know other perspectives and other knowledge. The event brings together people with many expertises. There are people who know so much, that you could spend hours and hours listening to them. I think it is always interesting to share moments with other people in the sector, and even more so when it comes to people with deeply impressive professional and academic backgrounds.
5. Have you been able to establish synergies, share projects or promote collaborations?
Yes, I was able to explain the 'NecesserTIC' project to different participants, who showed interest. In fact, with one of them we talked about establishing synergies and collaborations and doing something together linked to the rural world. Also, something that I loved were the numerous proposals from Catalan organizations. Both last year and this year, the Catalan fabric showed muscle, talent, dynamism and expertise.
6. What lessons do you take with you to the Smartcentre ICT Point in Santa Bárbara?
Many. It has made me reflect on the implementation of certain tools, the design of activities, the need to focus on disconnected activities, the importance of working on critical thinking, promoting good practices and focusing on the digital health and well-being of citizens. From Punt TIC, we must go beyond training and support. For example, currently, artificial intelligence puts many cards on the table, and very different ones, and we as facilitators must respond to them. We must train well, we must absorb everything and then make it reach all over the Catalan territory.