From IYQ to Global Quantum Initiative: OQI’s role in shaping an inclusive and responsible quantum future
24th February 2026
Article by Alexia Yiannouli
From 10-11 February 2026, the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) drew to a close, with the closing ceremony in Accra, Ghana – reflecting on the global efforts and activities that took place throughout 2025.
How has OQI contributed to the IYQ?
As a participating partner of the IYQ, OQI curated and coordinated a global calendar of events aligning with the IYQ, with a focus on capacity building efforts, including eight hackathons across five continents and over 20 Quantum Diplomacy Games played globally. Following the opening ceremony in Paris, we co-organised the IYQ opening ceremony in Geneva alongside UNESCO, bringing together over 100 policymakers, diplomats, scientists and educators to discuss topics such as capacity building and driving inclusive global collaboration. Through this, we launched a joint call to action – reaffirming our dedication to fostering multilateral cooperation, raising public awareness and driving collective action towards ensuring the advancement of quantum technology remains responsible, inclusive and beneficial to people and the planet.
During the recent closing ceremony, Dr. Mira Wolf-Bauwens (Senior Strategic Advisor, Governance and Responsible Computing) represented OQI and GESDA, participating in a talk about our work and on a panel discussing the launch of the Global Quantum Initiative. Led by UNESCO, and with OQI and GESDA as two of the founding partners, this initiative aims to promote an open global platform for dialogue, cooperation and capacity building.
The panel reflected on the progress throughout the IYQ and marked the launch of the Global Quantum Initiative. Moderated by Amal Kasry (Chief of Basic Sciences, Research, Innovation and Engineering), joining Mira on the panel were Kenneth Aidoo (UNU-INRA), David Dodoo-Arhin (AAS) and Ahmed El Sherbini (ASRT, Egypt). Panellists discovered a range of key topics, including:
- The value of international collaboration – with Mira emphasising the importance of anticipatory governance and diplomacy in mitigating the quantum divide through the work of GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator) and the OQI.
- The necessity of the Global Quantum Initiative – positioned as a key mechanism to channel the collective energy of 2025 into long-lasting structures for global cooperation and responsible quantum innovation for the benefit of social good.
- How inclusive strategies around education and capacity building are essential for equitable participation in the development of the technology.
- Egypt was highlighted as an example of country-level progress in developing a national quantum strategy collaboratively with stakeholders from academia, industry and government – with the support of OQI, UNESCO and other international partners.
As a participating partner of the IYQ and an implementation partner of the Global Quantum Initiative, at OQI we are committed to building on the efforts during the IYQ and continuing momentum beyond 2025, placing a focus on advancing meaningful global collaboration.
Reflecting on these discussions, Mira reinforced the importance of sustaining and driving these global efforts:
“Our success shouldn’t just be measured by the qubits we’ve stabilised or the papers we’ve published, but by the community we’ve built. As we look to the future, the ‘Open’ in Open Quantum Institute is our North Star — ensuring that as this technology matures, no nation or community is left behind in the second quantum revolution. Let’s carry this spirit of science diplomacy forward to ensure quantum remains a tool for global equity and planetary prosperity.”
At OQI and GESDA we are continuing this spirit through all our work.
At OQI, we are continuing this spirit through all of our work. Together with GESDA, we are hosting a Quantum Diplomacy in Action conference on 6th June, with more information to be shared soon.
Find out more about the Global Quantum Initiative.