Mobile World Congress co-locates with ITU Plenipotentiary in Doha

The global trade association for mobile telecommunications, GSMA, will co-locate its next Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Doha, Qatar, alongside the highest decision-making conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The upcoming ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, PP-26, is set to take place between 9 and 27 November, hosted by Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).

GSMA’s industry event, MWC26 Doha, will run from 8 to 10 November at the same venue, in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).

ITU and GSMA announced the co-location plan on 27 August.

“In this Plenipotentiary year, Qatar is set to become a global hub for digital ambition and cooperation,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “MWC26 Doha and PP-26 taking place back-to-back is an unmissable opportunity to strengthen the public-private partnerships that help ITU members thrive, while transforming our shared momentum into digital impact in the communities that need it most.”

A moment to shape the future

GSMA emphasized alignment with the host country’s digital transformation plans and noted how MWC Doha would build on a successful debut the previous year – further amplified through synergies with global ITU discussions.

GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath said: “Last year’s inaugural MWC Doha demonstrated the sheer scale of Qatar’s digital ambition. This year, the exciting news that MWC will co-locate with the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference creates a unique moment for the international policy and industry community to convene in one city, under one roof, during the same month. By bringing together regulators, ministers, operators and technology leaders at this level, Doha will sit at the centre of the conversations shaping the future of connectivity worldwide.”

The first MWC Doha convened 60 delegations from 49 countries and 11 intergovernmental organizations, along with over 9,000 attendees from 110 countries and territories, with nearly 300 speakers and more than 250 exhibitors and sponsors on the show floor.

The GSMA Ministerial Programme will return to shape digital governance and investment priorities that support the next phase of connectivity – with MWC26 Doha and the ITU Plenipotentiary together expected to attract the broadest gathering of digital leaders to date. 

Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, added: “We are proud to host both MWC26 Doha and the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, PP-26, simultaneously this year, a reflection of our country’s growing role in shaping global connectivity and telecommunications policy. This dual hosting reinforces Qatar’s commitment to the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, as we continue to foster a thriving digital economy and a sustainable digital society.”

Collaboration to connect the world

GSMA and ITU collaborate broadly to advance global connectivity across policy, standards, and spectrum management.

The MWC26 Doha exhibition floor will be adjacent to PP-26, enabling ITU delegates to experience first-hand how advanced connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure are accelerating economic growth and societal progress around the globe.

ITU brings together 194 Member States and over 1,000 companies, universities, research institutes, and regional and international organizations to help coordinate global use of the radio spectrum and satellite orbits, establish key telecommunication and technology standards, and drive connectivity for the good of everyone.

The Plenipotentiary Conference meets every four years to set ITU’s overall strategic direction, approve the organization’s financial plans, and elect the ITU leadership, Council Member States and Radio Regulations Board members.

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