On 6 May 2026, IUPAP took part in the Quantum Diplomacy in Action Conference, held at Campus Biotech in Geneva. The event was organized by GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator) and the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) at CERN, with the support of UBS.

IUPAP was represented by Christophe Rossel, Vice President for Physics Outside Academia, and Michel Spiro, Past President.

Advancing dialogue on quantum diplomacy

The conference brought together ambassadors, permanent representatives, senior government officials, representatives of intergovernmental organizations, quantum experts, and members of GESDA and OQI to discuss the growing role of quantum technologies in international cooperation and governance.

The programme was structured around four main themes:

  • Why quantum computing matters for diplomacy;
  • National approaches to quantum strategies, with examples from Switzerland, Mexico, China, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the European Union;
  • Governance of quantum computing, including intellectual property, human rights, the quantum divide, sustainability, energy, security, and dual-use applications;
  • Future priorities and concrete proposals for international action.

The conference also aimed to foster dialogue on quantum diplomacy, identify priorities for international cooperation, and contribute policy insights for the 2026 OQI Intelligence Report on Quantum Diplomacy in Action.

Key outcomes

Participants highlighted the enormous potential of quantum science and technology across a wide range of applications, while also recognizing the uncertainty surrounding future technological developments and the diversity of approaches currently being pursued. This rapidly evolving landscape continues to attract scientists, entrepreneurs, industry, and governments worldwide.

The discussions also emphasized several important challenges, including balancing national security concerns with the principles of open science, reducing the risk of a global quantum divide, preventing excessive concentration of the field within large technology companies, and ensuring that quantum technologies are developed responsibly beyond predominantly military applications.

The Open Quantum Initiative (OQI) at CERN, together with GESDA, was presented as an important effort to promote inclusive access to quantum technologies by enabling diverse communities to develop quantum algorithms connected to the Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative, established for the period 2024–2026, complements UNESCO’s proposal for a Global Quantum Initiative within the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033). Such an initiative would further strengthen international cooperation, promote open and peaceful development, and help reduce the global quantum divide—objectives that closely align with IUPAP’s mission.

The conclusions and recommendations from the conference will be consolidated in the Intelligence Report on Quantum Diplomacy in Action 2026–2027, to be launched during the GESDA Summit on 14 October 2026.

Strengthening international collaboration

For IUPAP, participation in the conference also provided an opportunity to expand its international network within the quantum community, engage with emerging companies and startups that could potentially join IUPAP as Corporate Associate Members (CAMs), and explore new collaborations.

While discussions confirmed that neither GESDA nor OQI intend to become Corporate Associate Members, both organizations expressed a strong interest in pursuing further collaboration and exchanges with IUPAP, opening the door to future joint initiatives in the field of quantum science and diplomacy.

Michel Spiro & Christophe Rossel