As Dr Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Science, UNESCO noted, “Quantum science is not just about pushing the frontiers of knowledge—it is about calling a Global Quantum Agenda for shaping a future where technology serves all of humanity. The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology is a call to ensure that these advancements bridge divides, rather than create new ones.”
As the sole UN agency with a mandate in the basic sciences, UNESCO has been designated as the lead agency for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 7 June 2024. This marks a century since the birth of quantum mechanics.
The IYQ in 2025 is a pivotal initiative celebrated under the broader framework of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD). Within this framework, the IYQ in 2025 serves as a catalyst for long-term advancements in quantum research and applications. By aligning IYQ initiatives with the objectives of the IDSSD, UNESCO seeks to establish sustainable quantum education programs, encourage enduring international collaborations, and integrate quantum technologies into broader sustainable development strategies.
The IYQ is not just a year-long celebration, but the beginning of a dedicated decade of scientific endeavor. It represents a commitment to harnessing quantum science and technology for sustainable development, ensuring that its benefits are accessible to all, now and in the future.
What is quantum science and technology?
Quantum science explores the fundamental principles governing the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles. These principles have led to the development of quantum technologies, which harness phenomena like superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunneling. Quantum technologies have transformative applications across diverse fields. In medicine, quantum sensors enable ultra-precise imaging and diagnostics. In computing, quantum processors promise to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers, revolutionizing fields like cryptography, materials science, and climate modeling. In communications, quantum networks offer unprecedented security through quantum encryption. These breakthroughs have the potential to address global challenges and create new opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
Quantum science has its roots in unraveling the mysteries of light. Early studies of light’s dual nature, behaving as both particles and waves, uncovered fundamental principles that now underpin modern science and technology.
About the International Year on Quantum Science and Technology
In 2015, UNESCO successfully led the International Year of Light, celebrating advancements in light-based technologies. Today, UNESCO once again takes the lead to honour the transformative contributions of quantum science and technology.
The IYQ aims to:
• Raise global awareness of quantum science and its role in achieving sustainable development goals.
• Foster international collaboration in research and education.
• Drive innovation in quantum technologies.
• Address the quantum divide by ensuring equitable access to quantum education and infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions.
• Inspire young people, especially women and underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in quantum science and technology.
Launching the year
On 4–5 February 2025, UNESCO successfully organized the Opening Ceremony of IYQ at its Headquarters in Paris. Bringing together more than 1000 scientists, policymakers, educators, and industry leaders, the Opening Ceremony set the stage for a year-long global dialogue on how quantum science can drive a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Discussions highlighted the transformative power of quantum science, not only in shaping our understanding of the universe but also in tackling critical challenges in healthcare, climate, and secure communications. Speakers emphasized the need to bridge the ‘Quantum Divide’ by ensuring equitable access to quantum technologies through international cooperation, ethical frameworks, and governance mechanisms. The program explored ways to scale quantum innovations, advancing their real-world applications, while also underscoring the importance of public engagement and education in demystifying quantum science and inspiring future generations.
The IYQ exhibition celebrated the transformative power of quantum science, showcasing groundbreaking innovations, interactive installations, and artistic expressions that bridge complex quantum concepts with real-world applications. Through immersive experiences—such as a Quantum Bullet Time Photo Booth, an augmented-reality Double-Slit Experiment, and a Quantum Jungle calculating Schrödinger’s Equation in real time—visitors engaged directly with quantum phenomena. The exhibition also featured artworks exploring the intersection of quantum physics and human experience, including portraits of superconducting devices, art-science collaborations, and reflections on quantum’s societal impact. Leading research institutions and global networks demonstrated advancements in quantum computing, secure communications, and open-access research, while initiatives promoting international cooperation and equitable access highlighted the importance of bridging the ‘Quantum Divide.’ The exhibition underscored how quantum innovation is reshaping industries, fostering global collaboration, and addressing major challenges—a testament to the creativity and dedication driving the future of quantum science.
A highlight of the ceremony was the keynote speech by Nobel Laureate Prof. Anne L’Huillier, who took the audience on a journey through the quantum world with ultrashort light pulses, illustrating how breakthroughs in fundamental physics have led to transformative technologies. She emphasized that while quantum mechanics began as a theoretical framework, it has since revolutionized fields such as precision measurement, advanced imaging, and next-generation computing. Her address underscored the vital role of basic research in driving real-world innovations, reinforcing the need for continued investment in fundamental science.
Equally inspiring was the fireside chat with Nobel Laureate Prof. William D. Phillips, who reflected on the evolution of quantum science—from its early breakthroughs to the dawn of the second quantum revolution. He highlighted how quantum technologies are no longer confined to laboratories but are shaping industries, from quantum-enhanced medical diagnostics to ultra-secure communications. He also addressed the importance of scientific collaboration and public engagement, emphasizing that the future of quantum science depends not only on researchers but on a well-informed society and forward-thinking policies.
Dr. Amal Kasry, Chief of the Section for Basic Sciences, Research, Innovation and Engineering at UNESCO said: “By the end of 2025, we aim to promote the idea of building a strong global foundation for quantum education and collaboration, foster greater inclusion of underrepresented groups, and enhance public understanding of how quantum technologies can contribute to addressing global challenges, particularly in bridging the gap between the Global North and South.”
Global celebrations
The IYQ Opening Ceremony is just the beginning. Over the coming months, UNESCO will continue to lead efforts in advancing the Global Agenda for Quantum Science and Technology, fostering international collaboration, and ensuring that quantum innovation serves humanity as a whole.
Throughout 2025, events worldwide will showcase the transformative power of quantum science. For instance, on 21 February 2025, the UNESCO Geneva Office, in collaboration with the Open Quantum Institute, hosted an event titled “Quantum Science and Technology for All.” This forum explored how quantum technologies can promote equity, innovation and sustainable development and focused on extending educational and technological opportunities to underserved regions.
About the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 25 August 2023, proclaiming 2024–2033 as the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD, the Science Decade), with UNESCO designated to lead its implementation. Member States and all relevant stakeholders are encouraged to actively support and participate in the Decade’s initiatives. After extensive consultations with stakeholders and a co-design process, the Science Decade has developed a strategic plan and established its governance structure, including a Secretariat, an Executive Committee, and an Advisory Committee.
The Science Decade aims to advance basic sciences through global collaborative research initiatives, promote open science to democratize scientific processes, transform national innovation systems to better respond to societal needs, and enhance scientific literacy worldwide. This Science Decade offers a unique opportunity for humanity to fully harness the power of science in advancing sustainable development and securing a safe and prosperous future for everyone. UN Member States and all relevant stakeholders are urged to actively back the Decade, with UNESCO designated to lead its implementation.
The Science Decade was officially launched on Monday, 2 December 2024, during the prestigious Latin American and Caribbean Open Science Forum (CILAC) in San Andrés Isla, Colombia. This landmark event convened global leaders, eminent scientists, and policymakers for a dynamic exchange of ideas, setting the stage for transformative scientific endeavors to drive sustainable development. Through high-level discussions and visionary insights, the forum shaped a bold agenda for leveraging science as a cornerstone of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, reaffirming the commitment of the global community to innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration.
A call to action
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology is not just a celebration of achievements—it is a global call to action for the future. Through coordinated efforts, the IYQ seeks to inspire the next generation of quantum scientists and innovators, ensuring that the benefits of quantum technologies are shared equitably across the globe.
In a broader context, the Science Decade invites forward-thinking individuals, institutions, and organizations to submit proposals that will help shape the next ten years of innovation, discovery, and scientific advancement. The Decade is a global initiative designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and transformative research that will address the world’s most pressing challenges. This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of a new era in science, making meaningful impacts on society and our planet.
MORE INFO
For more information on events and resources throughout the year, please contact: iyq2025@unesco.org
Join us in celebrating the future of quantum science and technology!