The dual event structure places the MWC26 exhibition alongside the ITU’s top policy-making body, the PP-26 conference. Running from November 8 to 27, the gathering will host government officials, international institution leaders, and private sector innovators. By operating in proximity, the organizers intend to provide policymakers with direct exposure to AI-driven infrastructure and connectivity solutions that are currently reshaping global economic landscapes.

Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Communications Regulatory Authority will host the proceedings, aligning the events with the nation’s Digital Agenda 2030. The GSMA Ministerial Programme remains a central fixture, tasking attendees with defining investment priorities and governance frameworks for the next cycle of global connectivity. The ITU, representing 194 member states, uses the quadrennial Plenipotentiary Conference to determine long-term strategic direction, approve financial plans, and elect leadership for the UN agency.

This collaboration marks a significant shift in how digital standards are negotiated. With the exhibition floor adjacent to the policy halls, the GSMA and ITU expect to facilitate a more cohesive dialogue on radio spectrum management, satellite orbits, and universal connectivity. The move aims to create the largest assembly of digital decision-makers in the history of either organization.