Launch of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology in Geneva

 Launch of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology in Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland — On 21 February 2025, the historic Geneva Conservatory of Music served as the venue for the official launch of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), a global initiative co-organized by UNESCO and the Open Quantum Institute at CERN. This event, attended by over 100 members of the International Geneva community, followed the formal inauguration earlier in the month at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

The IYQ launch marked a significant milestone in advancing global efforts to leverage quantum technologies for sustainable progress, with an emphasis on equitable access, particularly in education. As a prominent hub for international scientific diplomacy, Geneva provided an ideal setting to initiate global discussions on quantum technology development and its potential to positively impact society worldwide, particularly in underserved regions.

Global Commitment to Quantum Technology for the Common Good

Ms. Ana Luiza Thompson-Flores, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Geneva, addressed attendees with a powerful message:
“This launch event not only celebrates the International Year of Quantum but also advocates for harnessing quantum science to serve the common good. Geneva, renowned for its role in international scientific diplomacy, offers a unique platform for addressing shared challenges and fostering global awareness. It unites policymakers, scientists, and civil society to shape a sustainable and inclusive future for quantum science and humanity.”

The event served as a platform for interactive discussions on essential topics including equitable access to quantum technology, open science, youth engagement, and quantum literacy in education. Through panels, keynote addresses, and cross-sector dialogues, participants examined strategies for incorporating these technologies into society for the benefit of all.

Shaping a Sustainable Future for Quantum Science

A primary focus of the event was the commitment to ensuring that the transformative power of quantum technologies benefits all of humanity. Experts and representatives from Member States explored strategies to democratize access to these emerging technologies, with particular attention to how they can help bridge the digital divide.

The International Year of Quantum also emphasized UNESCO’s mission to foster global awareness of quantum science and technology and its potential to solve complex global challenges. Through active discussions, participants shared insights, best practices, and perspectives on how quantum computing will likely shape human society in the coming years.

The Path Leading to the Declaration of IYQ

The initiative began to gain traction in May 2023, when the UNESCO Executive Board endorsed a resolution advocating for the official UN proclamation of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. In November 2023, this resolution was unanimously approved by the UNESCO General Conference. Ghana presented the resolution to the UN General Assembly in May 2024, receiving support from over 70 co-sponsoring nations. This led to the UN General Assembly’s official declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, with UNESCO serving as the lead agency.

In parallel, the global conversation around quantum technologies gained further depth with the November 2021 introduction of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which was adopted by 193 member states. This initiative underscores the intersection of AI and quantum technologies, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in the development of these emerging fields.

A Call to Action: Global Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

The launch event underscored the urgency of global collaboration in the development of quantum technology. A key takeaway from the event was the need for an inclusive and multilateral governance structure to support the sustainable and responsible development of quantum technologies.

The event concluded with a call to action, urging active participation in shaping the future of quantum science, encouraging collaboration across nations and sectors, and committing to ensuring that the benefits of these groundbreaking technologies reach all corners of the globe.

The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in the global scientific community, and Geneva's role as a center for international cooperation will continue to play a pivotal role in driving the vision of a sustainable and inclusive quantum future.

For photos of the event, visit: Marc Bader's Photo Collection.