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Quantum Unplugged: Geneva's diplomatic community engages in dialogue on quantum technology with OQI and ITU

7th November 2025

Photos by OQI/ITU

On 14th October, representatives from 40 Permanent Missions in Geneva attended the second edition of Quantum Unplugged, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), and with the support of the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations in Geneva (Wallonie-Bruxelles à Genève).  

 

Following the inaugural session of Quantum Unplugged, this edition was also hosted at IdeaSquare, the innovation space at CERN, an ideal backdrop to bring together the diplomatic community of Geneva to explore the concepts of quantum mechanics and quantum computing – fostering open dialogue and leaving jargon at the door. The first edition of the event was done in English, but this time we decided to do it en français, with the aim of reaching the wider diplomatic community in international Geneva.

 

Martin Gastal, OQI Partnerships and Capacity Building Lead, gave an introduction to the fundamentals of quantum physics and quantum computing, with the opportunity for the audience to ask questions in an informal setting. Martin also presented the work we are doing at OQI, through developing quantum computing applications working to accelerate the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Dr. Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy Director of ITU Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau and Chief of the Study Groups and Policy Department, outlined the advances, applications and global impact of quantum technologies,  focusing on quantum communication and emphasising the importance of international standards and the ITU’s role in supporting the commercialisation of quantum technologies. Dr. Jamoussi also stressed the importance for equitable global access to quantum technologies and education to bridge the quantum divide.

 

Since 2021, OQI has been curating a diplomatic dialogue on quantum computing with permanent representations in Geneva – with inputs from UN international organisations, the private sector and academia. The sessions of Quantum Unplugged is one example of how we are continuing this dialogue, through fostering engagement with the diplomatic community to collaboratively build capacity and co-shape the developing technology for the benefit of all.

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The Open Quantum Institute (OQI) is a multilateral governance initiative that promotes global and inclusive access to quantum computing and the development of applications for the benefit of humanity. As a novel science diplomacy instrument, it brings together research, diplomacy, private sector and philanthropy stakeholders. OQI is hosted by CERN during its pilot phase (2024-2026).

 

Mission:

• Accelerating applications for humanity: Realising the full potential of quantum computing to have the widest possible societal impact by accelerating the development of use cases geared towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and succeeding framework , thanks to the combined forces of researchers, developers and entrepreneurs from academia and private sector as well as the United Nations, and large NGOs
• Access for all: Providing global, inclusive and equitable access to a pool of public and private quantum computers and simulators available via the cloud
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• Activating multilateral governance for the SDGs: Providing a neutral forum to help shape multilateral governance of quantum computing for the SDGs

 

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• Inclusivity, global scope
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