37 38 Another key milestone for QFC in 2024 was the acceptance of its Data Protection Office (DPO) as a member of the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) , the premier global forum for data protection and privacy authorities. This achievement reflects QFCs progress in advancing data protection and privacy through the establishment of the DPO and the implementation of the QFC Data Protection Regulations and Rules 2021, which govern the processing of personal data within the QFC. These regulations introduced stronger compliance measures and enhanced rights for data subjects, ensuring the protection of individuals rights and legitimate interests. Underscoring the importance of international collaboration in data governance, the DPO, in partnership with the US Department of Commerce, hosted a high-level seminar on Data Protection in the Age of AI , marking QFC reinforced its strong emphasis on workforce development through a series of targeted training and learning programmes. A central component of this commitment in 2024 was the launch of the Values Integration Programme , a two-day workshop aimed at embedding QFCs core valuesQuality, Future Focus, Customer Focus, and Authenticity across the organisation. As part of QFCs Cultural Change Programme and aligned with the 2030 Growth Strategy, four rounds of training sessions on Mastering Coaching Feedback in Performance Management Reviews and Beyond were conducted for employees and line managers to strengthen their skills in delivering and receiving feedback, as well as in effective performance management. The QFC Synergy Series, interactive learning sessions for specialised topics, was also launched to include in-depth discussions on Generative AI and the QFC Digital Assets Framework. the International Data Protection Day. The event convened experts from the US National Institute for Standards and Technology, Microsoft, Google, Clyde & Co, and regional regulators from DIFC and ADGM to discuss evolving global standards and emerging challenges in AI-driven data ecosystems. Complementing QFCs awareness efforts with practical guidance, QFC published a reference list of processing activities that require a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) . The activities in this list are deemed to pose higher risks to individuals rights and interests, thereby mandating a DPIA. Finalised after a 30-day public consultation, the list helps ensure QFC firms align with best practices in personal data protection. To build financial literacy, QFC introduced the Financial Aptitude Skills Training Programme in partnership with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI), preparing employees for professional certification. QFC also offered employees access to structured, curriculum-based learning programmes through the Coursera platform, expanding opportunities for continuous learning. Consistent with its commitment to human capital development, QFC enhanced the Graduate Development Programme by emphasising career readiness through job rotations, mentorship, certifications, and peer learning. In 2024, 33 interns and one graduate trainee successfully completed the programme. SECURING DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY EMPOWERING A VALUES-DRIVEN WORKFORCE 38 37