The United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) with the goal of raising awareness about quantum science and its applications. This initiative coincides with the 100th anniversary of the development of quantum mechanics in 2025, a significant milestone recognized by various national scientific societies and international unions.
The proposal for IYQ was initiated by Mexico and received endorsement from UNESCO’s Executive Board in May 2023. The proposal was then approved by the UNESCO General Conference in November 2023 and was co-sponsored by nearly 60 countries. In May 2024, Ghana submitted a draft resolution to the U.N. General Assembly, leading to the official declaration of IYQ on June 7, 2024.
The IYQ Steering Committee is responsible for organizing global initiatives and events to engage diverse audiences, emphasizing the importance of quantum science in achieving the U.N.’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology aims to inspire the next generation of quantum innovators and showcase how quantum science impacts technology, policy, economy, and culture. For more information about the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, visit their website.