The MWC25 Barcelona edition, the largest connectivity event in the world, has concluded with resounding success, bringing together 109,000 attendees from 205 countries and territories in a week filled with technological innovations, key announcements, and discussions about the future of the industry.
The event, organized by the GSMA, served as a platform for showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence, next-generation mobile networks, and smart mobility, among other topics. Industry leaders and policymakers discussed the impact of technology on society, business, and culture.
Record Figures and Global Participation
MWC25 Barcelona featured participation from over 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners, as well as 1,200 speakers, with 41% being women. In its ministerial program, 188 delegations from 148 countries and 40 intergovernmental organizations gathered to discuss the future of connectivity and sector regulation.
One of the standout spaces was the 4YFN (4 Years From Now), which hosted over 1,000 startups, nearly 380 speakers, and 900 investors with a collective fund of €60 billion.
Regarding attendee profiles, 56% came from industries adjacent to the mobile ecosystem, while 21% held C-suite positions and 50% were in managerial and executive roles. Female participation reached 27%.
Moreover, over 2,900 journalists and analysts covered the event, with almost half a million views of the keynote speeches and live sessions across digital platforms.
Statements and Future Perspectives
John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., emphasized the importance of the event as a catalyst for change in the tech sector:
“MWC is the meeting point of industries, and this year has demonstrated how quickly technology is transforming our world. From AI-driven networks to the future of smart mobility, the discussions in Barcelona will shape next year’s agenda. What happens at MWC doesn’t stay at MWC; it makes a real impact.”
Meanwhile, Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, in his final remarks before handing over to Vivek Badrinath, stated:
“Each MWC builds on the previous one, and this edition has been truly innovative. The GSMA will continue to be a bridge between lawmakers, startups, and businesses, promoting debate and technological development.”
Global Expansion of MWC
MWC25 Barcelona marked the beginning of a calendar of global events organized by the GSMA. The next event will be MWC25 Shanghai, scheduled for June 18-20, 2025, which will include the return of 4YFN and the co-location of the IOTE event.
Additionally, the GSMA has announced the launch of MWC25 Doha (November 25-26, 2025), a key event in Qatar that will bring together industry leaders to advance digital transformation in the Middle East.
Furthermore, Vivek Badrinath will begin his term as Director General with the GSMA M360 Eurasia in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (May 21-22, 2025), followed by M360 LATAM in Mexico City (May 28-29, 2025).
Towards MWC26
MWC Barcelona will return in 2026, from March 2-5, solidifying its role as the global epicenter of connectivity. All key sessions from MWC25 will be available on demand on the official event website, the MWC app, and Mobile World Live.
With this edition, the GSMA reaffirms its commitment to the evolution of connectivity, driving collaboration among industry, regulators, and startups to define the future of technology.
Photo: © GSMA