Sustainability, inclusivity and collaboration: my time at MWC24

Barcelona, my old stomping ground, somehow felt different under the electric buzz of MWC24. Having lived here before, I was no stranger to the city’s charm, but experiencing the Mobile World Congress? That was a whole new game.

The annual event, which takes place at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, had always been a distant buzz of activity beyond my daily routine when I lived there. But now, it was the stage for my deep dive into the world of telecoms and technology.

My colleagues had one piece of advice: “Wear comfortable shoes.” They weren’t kidding. The Fira was an expansive tech jungle — but rather than trees and tigers, I was surrounded by VR headsets and robot dogs.

Walking from one side of the Fira to the other was a feat unto itself, although somewhat sweetened by the Android Partner Walk, a fun little game that involved collecting different Android pins from 16 stands scattered across the 8 halls — collecting all 32 won you a prize, apparently.

Connectivity: beyond wifi and private 5G

The buzz around wifi and private 5G at MWC24 was impossible to ignore — unless you were walking past SK Telecoms’ giant flying “urban drone.” Yet a deeper narrative rustled under the surface for anyone willing to hear.

“Connectivity is not just about faster speeds or broader coverage. It’s about making those advancements accessible and meaningful,” said Panch Chandrasekaran, head and director of the 5G Carrier Infrastructure Segment at ARM.

This sentiment was echoed, albeit with a hint of caution, by Udo Schneider, Trend Micro’s GRS lead and security evangelist. He added, “While we chase the future, let’s not forget the security lessons of the past.”

The dialogue around connectivity wasn’t just a tech debate; it was a reflection on how we ground innovation, making sure it’s secure, sustainable, and, above all, serves a purpose.

Chandrasekaran’s words indicated a shift towards integrated solutions, where the amalgamation of CPUs, GPUs, and accelerators promises to redefine our approach to connectivity and data processing.

Sustainability: the clean energy transition

As tech enthusiasts and leaders, we’re often so focused on the digital that we forget the physical world around us.

Barcelona’s water shortage, a silent plea for conservation echoed throughout the venue (and on the MWC24 mobile app), served as a stark reminder of our environmental responsibilities.

“We’re not just integrating technology; we’re integrating sustainability into our core,” Simay Akar from AK Energy Consulting passionately stated.

A passionate advocate for clean energy and senior member of the IEEE, Akar emphasised the critical role of technology in achieving sustainable development goals.

Our conversation spanned the gamut from solar energy technologies to the electrification of transportation, painting a picture of a future where green cities and smart infrastructure harmonise with the environment.

The conversations at MWC24 weren’t just about the next big thing in tech but also about ensuring that this ‘big thing’ contributes positively to our planet — or so help us all!

Inclusivity: AI as a catalyst for change

At a conference centred around connectivity, it was uplifting to see a genuine interest in connecting everyone. The potential of AI to foster inclusivity emerged as a compelling theme.

“AI for inclusivity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have,” Yo-en Chin, a creative technologist from Deloitte Digital, told me.

Our conversation revealed how AI could be leveraged to enhance experiences for neurodiverse individuals in the workplace and beyond.

The sentiment carried through in many of the people I spoke to, including Sarit Assaf. The general manager at Amdocs spoke of how AI could be the great leveller, giving everyone access to data that was previously reserved for a privileged few, opening doors for marginalised groups.

Collaboration: the key to unlocking potential

Ensuring inclusivity across the board ensures one thing: collaboration. The importance of collaboration in driving technological advancement is unmistakable.

One message reiterated over and over was that the future is built on the foundation of cooperative effort.

This was particularly evident in discussions around the deployment of IoT and critical infrastructure, where the collective endeavour of governments, corporations, and innovators is paving the way for secure, efficient, and accessible technology solutions.

One of the most thought-provoking sessions was “The European Dilemma: Digital Situations, Aspirations, and Rising Challenges.”

The CEOs of Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, and Vodafone didn’t just share a stage; they shared a call to arms for the industry.

The consensus was that Europe is at a crossroads, and collaboration, innovation, and a reimagined regulatory landscape are the keys to unlocking its digital potential.

“When we work together, we do pretty cool stuff,” one remarked, capturing the spirit of MWC24.

Grounding our gaze

I guess the biggest takeaway from my first encounter with the MWC beast is that technology isn’t just about devices; connectivity isn’t just about radio waves.

From the discussions on connectivity and security to the urgent calls for sustainability and inclusivity, the conference was a testament to the power of collaboration.

The future of tech is not just about innovation; it’s about making that innovation meaningful, accessible, and, above all, responsible.

And although I didn’t complete the Android bingo, I do now have a lovely collection of pins that I’m sure I’ll find some use for before 6G rolls out.

For more great stories and event roundups like this, click here! And watch Ricki’s roundup video below.