International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology was a United Nations observance that aimed to highlight the contributions of quantum science and practical applications of quantum technology.
History
The United Nations has a long history of pronouncing celebratory International Years. IYQ "began as a grassroots movement" commemorating the centennial anniversary of Heisenberg's Umdeutung paper, published in 1925. A number of professional societies and other organizations joined and supported the effort to name 2025 the International Year of Quantum and, at the May 2023 UNESCO Executive Board meeting, a resolution, co-sponsored by 59 countries, to “welcome and endorse the recommendation to proclaim 2025 international year of quantum science and technology... recommend that the General Conference at its 42nd session adopts a resolution in this regard.” This 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference convened in November of that year and passed a resolution recommending “that the General Assembly of the United Nations, at its seventy-eighth or seventy-ninth session, adopt a resolution declaring 2025 the international year of quantum science and technology.”In May 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) delegation from Ghana officially submitted an IYQ resolution at the 78th session of the UN in New York. The IYQ resolution was presented to the full General Assembly on June 7 by the Ghanaian delegation. The resolution was adopted by the UNGA without objection and was co-sponsored by over 70 countries representing over 5 billion people.
The UN resolution “Decides to proclaim 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology” and “recommends that the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology should be observed through activities at all levels aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of quantum science and applications.”
Organization
IYQ is coordinated by the IYQ Secretariat convened by UNESCO and the American Physical Society. Principles articulated as part of the mission of IYQ include "No One Owns Quantum Science" and "Everyone is Invited." In particular, UNESCO has articulated the importance of developing quantum science equitably with respect to the growing disparity between the global north and global south.Opening Ceremony and Activities
The International Year of Quantum opening ceremony was held in Paris, France in February to officially launch the year-long celebration. The event was held February 4–5, 2025, at UNESCO Headquarters.Throughout the year, IYQ celebrants were invited to host and share grassroots activities via the IYQ website. Over 500 events were registered, with many events featured as "Global Events," including the official IYQ closing ceremony held in Ghana in February 2026.