20 years of MWC Barcelona: From mobile devices to global connectivity

For two decades, Mobile World Congress (MWC) has transformed Barcelona into the global capital of connectivity. What began as a mobile-focused industry gathering has evolved into one of the world’s most influential technology events: a platform where innovation, investment and international collaboration converge.

Since its arrival in 2006, MWC has grown alongside Barcelona, shaping a unique partnership between the tech industry and the city. Today, the event welcomes participants from over 200 countries and territories, serving as a meeting point for corporations, startups, investors and public institutions.

This video captures the perspectives of three key actors within the MWC ecosystem: the organizer, a global corporation and a fast-growing startup, offering a comprehensive view of the event’s long-term impact.

“This private-public partnership is now an example to the world around how things can be done”

Lara Dewar, Chief Marketing Officer of GSMA

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The organizer’s perspective: GSMA

In the video, Lara Dewar, Chief Marketing Officer of GSMA - the global organization representing the mobile industry and organizer of Mobile World Congress - reflects on the long-standing partnership between MWC and Barcelona.

Dewar highlights how the success of MWC Barcelona is rooted in strong private-public collaboration and a shared long-term vision between the organizers and the city. Over the past two decades, the event has grown into a global benchmark for how major international technology gatherings can integrate into a city while generating sustained economic and technological impact.

Today, the partnership between GSMA and Barcelona stands as an international example of strategic cooperation at scale, bringing together industry leaders, institutions and innovators from around the world.

The corporate perspective: Huawei

For global technology leaders such as Huawei, Mobile World Congress has served as a strategic platform to showcase two decades of connectivity evolution: from 3G to 5.5G.

As highlighted by Carmen González Gens, Vicepresident of Huawei Spain, Barcelona’s ecosystem of talent, investors and institutional commitment has reinforced its position as an international technology hub. The city provides the right environment for dialogue between innovation, industry and society, making MWC a key moment in the global tech calendar.

The startup perspective: NeuralTrust

From the startup standpoint, MWC represents global visibility and direct access to opportunity. In the video, Rodrigo F. Baon, Head of Growth at NeuralTrust, explains how the event facilitates high-value, face-to-face connections with investors and international clients.

Together with 4YFN, the startup platform of MWC, the congress continues to strengthen Barcelona’s role as a growing hub for AI and frontier technologies, positioning the city prominently on the global innovation map.

Twenty years on, MWC Barcelona stands as more than a trade show. It is a global platform where business gets done, partnerships are forged and the future of connectivity takes shape. As technology continues to accelerate, Barcelona and MWC remain committed to evolving together, reinforcing the city’s position as a leading destination for innovation and international investment.