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Highlights of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025
Bridging the quantum divide
UNESCO experts presented concrete initiatives related to the Organization’s work in quantum science, including mapping global quantum capacities, expanding remote access to quantum computing, and empowering women scientists, thereby creating opportunities for regions lacking resources to engage with quantum advancements.
Despite these advancements, disparities in quantum infrastructure, expertise, and opportunities—especially in underserved regions remain. The widening quantum divide threatens developing countries’ access to these transformative technologies, a concern widely expressed during the event.
We need to engage, we need to ensure, that we do involve diversity, that we worry about equality, and all of the things that we know that are going to be necessary for a global success.
Industry representatives from IBM, Microsoft, and Quantinuum supported this, emphasizing the industry's role in quantum developments and stressing the necessity of a quantum-ready workforce to implement scientific breakthroughs effectively.
Representatives from Ghana and Mexico echoed the urgent need for global cooperation, stressing that bridging the quantum divide is essential to ensure inclusive progress and that no country is left behind.
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) 2025, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in June 2024, highlights quantum science's crucial role in technological advancements and addressing global challenges. As the lead agency for IYQ 2025, UNESCO is spearheading international efforts to promote inclusive development and ensuring universal access to quantum science’s benefits.
A global quantum agenda for the future
Dr. Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, called for establishing a Global Quantum Agenda—a framework promoting awareness, equitable knowledge access, capacity-building, and ethical development in quantum science. She emphasized the importance of national quantum strategies, education, training, and infrastructure investments, enabling countries—particularly in the Global South—to actively participate in quantum advancements. UNESCO firmly believes collective action is vital to harness quantum science’s potential for addressing global challenges, accelerating innovation, and supporting sustainable development.
Quantum mechanics, during these last 100 years, has been extremely successful. It has led to new sciences, new technologies, and is just the beginning.
The event encouraged participants to think of ways to shape this ‘unknown future’ collaboratively, for a better world.
UNESCO and quantum science
Quantum science emerged from studying nature’s smallest objects, deepening our understanding of the universe and enabling groundbreaking technologies like quantum computers, ultra-precise measurement devices, and next-generation materials.
Through mapping the global quantum landscape, expanding remote access to quantum resources, and empowering young women scientists, UNESCO raises awareness, builds capacity, and creates opportunities for underrepresented regions.
It also recognizes the urgent need to close divides, enhance global collaboration, as well as ensure ethical and inclusive quantum development.
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International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
