91�鶹������Ʒ����

On 21 February 2025, the Geneva Conservatory of Music hosted over 100 members of the International Geneva community to celebrate the launch of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), following its official inauguration earlier this month at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Co-organized by UNESCO and the Open Quantum Institute at CERN, this event aimed to highlight a global commitment to leveraging quantum technologies for sustainable progress, with a particular focus on ensuring equitable access, especially in the field of education.

As a renowned global hub for international scientific diplomacy, International Geneva provides an ideal platform for shaping a shared vision for quantum technology development and ensuring its benefits reach communities worldwide, particularly in under-resourced regions. The celebration explored key themes such as equitable access to quantum technology, open science, capacity building, education, and bridging the digital divide.

Ms. Ana Luiza Thompson-Flores, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Geneva, remarked:
“This launch event in Geneva not only celebrates the International Year of Quantum but also advocates for harnessing quantum science to serve the common good. La ‘Genève internationale’ provides a unique platform to address shared challenges and foster global awareness. Renowned as a hub for international scientific diplomacy, Geneva serves as the perfect venue for this gathering, uniting 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 key themes, including equitable access to quantum technology, open science, youth engagement, and fostering quantum literacy in education. Representatives of Member States and experts in the field explored effective strategies for integrating these technologies for societal benefit.

This collaborative dialogue aimed to strengthen international partnerships in support of UNESCO’s mission to democratize access to emerging technologies. Through engaging panels, keynote addresses, and cross-sector discussions, participants shared insights and best practices, working to better anticipate quantum computing’s potential to shape human society.

In May 2023, the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) endorsed a resolution advocating for the official UN proclamation of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. This initiative gained further momentum with unanimous approval by the UNESCO General Conference in November 2023. Building on this progress, Ghana formally presented a resolution to the UN General Assembly in May 2024, garnering the support of over 70 co-sponsoring nations. On June 7, 2024, the UN General Assembly officially declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), appointing UNESCO as the lead agency and focal point for this significant global initiative. IYQ, not only celebrates the transformative potential of quantum science, but also, serves as a critical platform to emphasize its role in addressing complex global challenges.

In parallel, another milestone was achieved in November 2021, when UNESCO introduced the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted by 193 member states. This landmark initiative complements existing global ethical frameworks for AI, emphasizing its broader implications across UNESCO’s core domains: education, science, culture, and communication and information. The intersection of AI and quantum technologies presents both opportunities and ethical considerations, reinforcing the need for a responsible and inclusive approach to these emerging fields.