GSMA outlines partnership with Barcelona through to 2030

At a joint press conference held in Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc, the GSMA outlined the extension of its partnership with Barcelona. Alongside Barcelona City Council, Generalitat de Catalunya, the Ministry of Economy and Digital Transformation, Fira de Barcelona, and Tourism de Barcelona (collectively the Host City Parties) representatives signed an agreement that continues the partnership between the GSMA, the city and Spain, through to 2030.

“MWC Barcelona remains the GSMA flagship event, and we could not be more delighted to extend our partnership with Barcelona. As the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event, it brings together leading businesses and trailblazers from the global digital ecosystem. At MWC Barcelona, we host debates which help define society’s relationship with technology. Programmes like 4YFN and Industry City showcase innovative products and applications, Diversity 4 Tech demonstrates the advantages in our differences and the Ministerial Programme is the largest gathering of digital policymakers.”

Granryd continued, “We are so proud that MWC takes place in the heart of Barcelona. Alongside our partners Fira de Barcelona and the Host City Parties, we cannot wait to welcome the mobile ecosystem to the next edition in February 2023,” said the GSMA’s Director General, Mats Granryd.

The benefits of MWC Barcelona extend beyond the value it brings to the global mobile and technology sectors during the event’s annual week. It is also a vital creator of prospects and economic opportunities that benefit the citizens of Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain. MWC provides a range of programmes and activities such as the Mobile World Capital and mSchools throughout the year. The result: a lasting legacy all year round.

“We are thrilled to extend, well into the future, our public/private partnership. Since the first MWC Barcelona in 2006, MWC has generated €5.4 billion of economic benefit to the host city and region. And, with the closing of MWC22, it’s created an additional 141,000 part-time jobs. This year, we expected to generate €240 million and 6,700 part-time jobs. We are delighted to announce we exceeded our forecast creating an economic impact of €267M and 7,100 part-time jobs,” said GSMA Ltd’s CEO, John Hoffman.

Hoffman continued, “I want to thank Fira de Barcelona and the Host City Parties for their hospitality, friendship and partnership. Together, we have developed MWC so that the week-long event, supported by Mobile World Capital, has created a year-round legacy that continues to deliver for Barcelona, the people of Catalonia and Spain.”

“Today we celebrate the extension of a successful history, the fruit of a unique ecosystem in which the city and the excellence of the venues and Fira’s team play an essential role. It’s a model based on the commitment and involvement of the administrations and the private sector, with the goal of creating a social and economic legacy. Together, we have experienced great and good times as well as overcome the most challenging times, further strengthening our relationship and friendship. May today’s spirit drive us forward on this exciting path, from now through to 2030,” said Pau Relat, Chairman of the Governing Board of Fira de Barcelona.

In homage to the early years of MWC Barcelona, today’s joint press conference took place at Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc, the global home of MWC from 2006 to 2011. As the event expanded and matured, it moved to Fira Gran Vira in 2012 and continues today as the mobile industry’s iconic, dynamic annual event.

CT Bureau