UNESCO seminar discusses transformative potential of quantum technologies and more
On 16 September 2026, a representative of the International Collaboration Department at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, attended the online seminar on quantum science and technology, held as part of UNESCO’s Futures Dialogue series. One year after the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025), this Futures Dialogue brought together about 220 quantum scientists, ethics experts, educators, and policymakers to reflect on the transformative potential of quantum technologies and their implications for education, ethics, and governance.
The dialogue explored key themes including bridging the quantum knowledge gap and strengthening research infrastructure in the Global South, operationalising the recommendations of the COMEST Report on the Ethics of Quantum Computing, and advancing open science and global scientific cooperation in quantum research — as part of UNESCO’s Global Quantum Initiative (GQI, 2026–2028). Participants evaluated possible future trajectories of quantum technologies, assessed their implications, and considered collaborative research agendas and strategies.
Turning to the challenges of bridging the quantum knowledge gap and strengthening research infrastructure in the Global South, Malik Maaza, UNESCO Africa Chair in nano at the University of South Africa, observed that more than 73% of the population of Africa would be under the age of 18 by 2050. “This massive tsunami of youth coming in has to be educated,” he said. Malik Maaza also pointed out the bias of quantum and AI-related technologies towards indigenous languages.
Through its programmes, UNESCO envisions a world where quantum technologies are developed responsibly, shared equitably, and contribute to sustainable development for all nations and communities. Reflecting on the global implications of quantum technologies, Diogo Henriques, expert in the Inclusive Policy Lab at UNESCO, wrote in the chat that a Sustainable Development Goal on Emerging Technologies (AI, Quantum) and their Societal and Environmental Impact would be a great idea.
Special thanks are due to Amal Kasry, Chief of Section for Basic Science, Research, Innovation and Engineering at UNESCO, for moderating the seminar, including the lively Q&A session.
More information:
https://articles.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2026/08/FuturesDialogues_GQI_ConceptNote_v9_English.pdf
