On 17 July 2026, IUPAP participated in the UNESCO thematic session Quantum Policy in Practice: Actions, Needs and Pathways Across Different Stages of Quantum Development, held under the Global Quantum Initiative at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Building on the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, the GQI brings together international partners to expand participation in quantum science and technology and ensure that its benefits are shared more equitably. As a Founding Partner of the Global Quantum Initiative, IUPAP contributes to its strategic direction and governance while supporting cooperation across the international quantum community. This role is reinforced by the participation of IUPAP President Silvina Ponce Dawson and Gloria Platero Coello, Chair of Commission C8 on Semiconductors, on the GQI Steering Committee, where they help shape the initiative’s priorities and coordination. The session also outlined the plans of five working groups: Education and Capacity Building, Sustainable Infrastructure, Public Awareness and Engagement, Science Diplomacy and Cooperation, and Responsible Innovation. Their planned activities range from curricula, open learning and shared computing to cloud access, regional hubs, public literacy, youth outreach, multilateral dialogue, Global South access, standards, norms and anticipatory governance. Representing IUPAP, Jaewook Ahn, Chair of Commission C15 on Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, presented the plans of Working Group 2 to promote open access to quantum infrastructure, software and training, with particular attention to regional hubs and the Global South. Through its Founding Partner role, Steering Committee participation and working-group leadership, IUPAP will continue to connect the global physics community with UNESCO’s efforts to close the quantum divide.

Further information  UNESCO Global Quantum Initiative

Ph: Global Quantum Initiative thematic session participants at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Jaewook Ahn (C15) is second from left.