The Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) endorsed by acclamation a proposal to declare 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) during its 216th session in May 2023. The resolution, designated 216 EX/37, was co-sponsored by 57 countries, including Brazil, Egypt, Ghana, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, and Spain.
According to the proposal document published by UNESCO, the Executive Board decided to welcome and endorse the recommendation, include the item in the agenda of the 42nd session of the General Conference, and recommend that the General Conference adopt a resolution on the matter. The Board also invited UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to support efforts leading the United Nations General Assembly to proclaim 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
Mexico’s delegates on the UNESCO Executive Board led the presentation of the proposal, which recognized the importance of quantum science and technology for sustainable development, economic advancement, and addressing gender inequalities in science. The proposal noted that the initiative would have no financial implications for UNESCO’s regular budget.