GSMA M360 Eurasia 2026 in Samarkand highlights the role of digital infrastructure, AI, and strategic partnerships
Held in Samarkand for the first time, GSMA M360 Eurasia 2026 brought together more than 50 speakers, representatives from more than 40 countries and territories and 250 companies, including telecom operators, technology businesses, investors and public-sector stakeholders. Over half of attendees were director level and above, driving senior-level conversations focused on the future of AI, 5G, cybersecurity and the digital infrastructure of Uzbekistan and the wider Eurasian region.
The event served as a platform for practical dialogue on investment, digital infrastructure and long-term cooperation across Eurasia. Discussions focused on how AI, resilient connectivity, cloud capacity and data-center development are transforming telecom markets and creating new opportunities for national economies, businesses and consumers. The event agenda also underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a sustainable and secure digital future for the region.
M360 Eurasia’s agenda focused on the technologies shaping the region’s digital future
- Artificial intelligence and its growing influence on telecom business models
- Cybersecurity and resilient digital infrastructure
- The expanding role of data centers and cloud capacity
- Sustainable energy solutions for communications networks
- Public-private cooperation to accelerate digital transformation.
Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies, said: «Hosting GSMA M360 Eurasia in Samarkand is a defining moment for Uzbekistan’s digital transformation. Today, our country is firmly establishing itself as the region’s premier IT hub – a place where global partnerships are forged and the foundations of tomorrow’s digital economy are laid. The fact that world-class tech leaders are choosing Uzbekistan for investment and innovation is a direct testament to the success of our Uzbekistan 2030 strategy. As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of our independence, this milestone highlights the incredible journey we have made in building a modern, open, and forward-looking digital nation.»
Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group, said: «A bright future where augmented intelligence is available to every household, every village, through local language models and shared AI-ready infrastructure to cement Uzbekistan in the global top tier of digital development. Uzbekistan is playing an increasingly important role in this transformation in Central Asia. We see strong potential for continued investment in digital infrastructure, talent and innovation, and we remain committed to supporting the country’s ambitions to strengthen its position as a regional technology hub.»
Evgeniy Nastradin, CEO of Beeline Uzbekistan, said: «Participation in M360 Eurasia in Samarkand provided an important platform for strengthening dialogue between global technology leaders, international organizations, regulators and businesses shaping the future of the digital economy across the region. For Uzbekistan, hosting an event of this scale reflects the country’s growing role as a strategic hub for innovation, investment and digital transformation. For Beeline Uzbekistan, M360 Eurasia is an opportunity not only to share expertise and discuss key industry trends, but also to contribute to building a sustainable digital ecosystem that creates long-term value for customers, businesses and the national economy.»
John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer of GSMA, said: «M360 Eurasia 2026 was an inspiring example of what can happen when the right people are in the room, bringing together the policymakers, regulators and industry leaders whose collaboration is essential to building the connected, secure digital economies of the future. My thanks to our hosts and partners for making it possible. Connectivity underpins everything we discussed here, from AI to cybersecurity to sustainable infrastructure and the quality of dialogue at this year’s event reflects just how seriously the region is taking that agenda.»
On the sidelines of GSMA M360 Series Eurasia, VEON and Beeline Uzbekistan held the Global Digital Integrity Forum – driving collective action on ethics, compliance and geopolitical risk across Eurasia. VEON CEO Kaan Terzioglu and GSMA Chief Regulatory Officer John Giusti emphasized that robust public-private dialogue is essential to ensuring innovation develops alongside strong safeguards and effective oversight. The panel discussion «Enhancing Accountability in the Digital Age» convenes leaders from the telecom, fintech and regulatory communities to explore how integrity and governance frameworks can keep pace with rapid technological change.
GSMA M360 Eurasia 2026 in Samarkand reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s growing role in regional digital transformation and highlighted the importance of international dialogue in accelerating innovation, attracting investment and strengthening strategic partnerships across Eurasia.
About Beeline Uzbekistan
Beeline Uzbekistan (Unitel LLC) has been operating as a digital operator under the trademark since September 12, 2006. Beeline Uzbekistan is one of the largest taxpayers in the country and has paid an estimated $2.1 bn in taxes during its operations in Uzbekistan. Beeline Uzbekistan, with more than 2,000 employees, is a Certified Top Employer 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Beeline Uzbekistan is part of the VEON Group. VEON has invested more than $1.6 bn into Uzbekistan’s telecommunications sector since 2006, when the Group first entered the market.
VEON is a digital operator that provides connectivity and digital services over 150 mln connectivity and 229 mln digital users. Operating across five countries that are home to more than 6% of the world’s population, VEON is transforming lives through technology-driven services that empower individuals and drive economic growth. VEON is listed on NASDAQ. For more information, visit: https://www.veon.com.
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