GSMA MWC26 Doha to co-locate alongside the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in November 2026

The GSMA and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced that MWC26 Doha will co-locate alongside the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26). PP-26 is the highest policy-making body of ITU, the United Nations agency for digital technologies. This first-of-its-kind co-location will bring together the leaders shaping the digital sector – from government, international institutions and industry – for a pivotal month of digital policy engagement and connectivity showcases in Doha.

MWC26 Doha, in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), will take place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) on 8-10 November 2026. ITU PP-26 will take place at DECC between 9-27 November 2026, hosted by Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA).

Following the resounding success of last year’s debut – and in line with Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030 – MWC26 Doha will unite the global ecosystem across exhibition, thought leadership and policy. The GSMA Ministerial Programme will return to MWC Doha to shape digital governance and investment priorities that support the next phase of connectivity. This follows last year’s landmark debut, which convened 60 delegations from 49 countries and 11 intergovernmental organisations.

MWC’s exhibition floor will be adjacent to PP-26, enabling PP-26 delegates to experience firsthand how advanced connectivity, AI-powered solutions 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 organisations. ITU plays a critical role in coordinating the global use of the radio spectrum and satellite orbits, developing telecommunication standards, and driving universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation. The Plenipotentiary Conference meets every four years to set out ITU’s overall strategic direction, approve its financial plans, and elect ITU officials, Council Member States and Radio Regulations Board members.

Both the GSMA and ITU are committed to connecting the world and already collaborate to advance global connectivity across policy, standards, and spectrum management. The co-location complements both events and will see Doha convene the broadest gathering of digital leaders that either event has hosted to date.

“In this Plenipotentiary year, Qatar is set to become a global hub for digital ambition and cooperation,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin . “MWC 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.”

Vivek Badrinath, Director General at the GSMA, 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.”

H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar, said: “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.”

MWC25 Doha welcomed over 9,000 attendees from 110 countries and territories, with nearly 300 speakers and more than 250 exhibitors and sponsors filling a packed show floor. Some 40% of attendees were director level and above, with over 30 partnerships and major announcements made across two busy days.

To secure your place at this year’s event, please register here. Further event details will be announced via the MWC26 Doha Press Zone.

About GSMA 

The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today’s biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events. We invite you to find out more at gsma.com

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