GSMA has been holding the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona for 18 years; both are inextricably linked. The city is more than just the location of the event, it is part of the experience, and we are delighted with this unique partnership we have achieved between the public and private sector.
I am often asked “Why Barcelona?” For me it is clear. Barcelona is one of the great cities in the world. It is alive, it is vibrant. It boasts a winning combination of hospitality, gastronomy, culture, tourist attractions, beautiful beaches, great transport links and good weather. It has also earned a reputation as a global technology hub, attracting investment from innovative new companies. The question should be: “Why go anywhere else?”
MWC Barcelona 2023 welcomed almost 90,000 attendees and 2,400 exhibitors representing everything from dynamic startups present at 4YFN to giants of the telecommunications industry. A truly global convergence of creative and entrepreneurial minds with more than 200 countries and territories represented. This is the community capable of showing how mobile technology transcends political, geographic and cultural borders.
The MWC is also the world's largest gathering of digital economy policymakers and is seen by governments around the world as a unifying event that delivers better outcomes for the global community.
By bringing together the world's best technology talent, MWC raises Barcelona's profile on the global business stage and creates a legacy that benefits Barcelona, the citizens of Catalonia and Spain all year round. In this way, in the face of the headwinds of the global economy, the economic impact of the MWC becomes even more important for the people of Barcelona. This year, MWC has contributed 461 million euros to Barcelona's economy and created more than 9,000 part-time jobs. It is an achievement that we are very proud to celebrate.
Since 2006, the figures are even more notable: MWC has generated an economic impact of approximately 5.8 billion euros and more than 150,000 part-time jobs throughout Catalonia. It is my great hope that this unique partnership between the public and private sectors will continue to create the environment necessary for MWC to thrive, grow, and reflect the technological advancements its community brings.
All thanks to the commitment of GSMA, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain, Fira Barcelona, Mobile World Capital, the host cities and the people of Barcelona. Since the creation of the MWCapital Foundation in 2012, we have brought together different cities to create legacy programs around mobility. We call this our “engaged community” because we know we can't do it alone. We need local support and assistance to make a real difference and have a real impact.
We have continued to build on the fantastic platform that is MWC, and we look forward to continuing this mutually beneficial relationship for years to come. We have managed to establish a valuable relationship, which we do not take for granted, and each year we return eager to create new experiences that refresh the MWC, amplify its vitality and make it unique and innovative. An essential part of this is using the latest digital technology in many aspects of the event. Using cutting-edge technology can be great, but it also comes with risks.
For example, our Breez 2023 pilot program, which used facial recognition as part of our committed community plan to assist in crowd management processes. Although it is used in airports and public gatherings around the world, and is a reliable technology, I am disappointed to have to say that we are taking a step back and discontinuing its use. The truth is that sometimes the pace of technology surpasses social norms, a bit like the conversation around generative AI. New technologies often push boundaries until policies and practices catch up or are designed to manage them.
In 2023, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first mobile phone call, but in reality, MWC Barcelona is no longer mobile first, we are Future First. It is the largest and most influential connectivity event, a meeting place for leaders, innovators and agents of change who face the most complex social and industrial challenges in the world. The MWC is the center of innovation and debate, and the place where leaders in the mobile ecosystem chart the future to realize the full potential of the technology. Simply put, MWC is the industry's unmissable event. Only MWC is able to bring together the people and key players in mobile connectivity, and also the only event capable of presenting the most current innovations in two large spaces: Connected Industries and Journey to the Future, the areas dedicated to new ideas and the creativity.
In the 2024 edition we will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of 4YFN, the digital and technology startup event that will showcase technology entrepreneurs from around the world and the best of Barcelona's startup scene. It is a great opportunity for the business leaders of the future. The hunt for the next Catalan unicorn begins at 4YFN.
MWC is just around the corner, I look forward to welcoming you and, again, thank you for allowing Barcelona to be our home!
