NEW YORK – 23 September 2024
The United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) and Quantum Delta NL are pleased to announce their partnership to jointly explore the transformative potential of quantum technologies for the United Nations system. The partnership was launched at the side event “Quantum for Good,” held during the Summit of the Future Action Days and co-sponsored by the Republic of Namibia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Economic Forum, and hosted at Accenture.
On that occasion, UNICC and Quantum Delta NL signed a MoU to officially start the partnership, in the presence of Jonine de Waal, Director Digitalisation and The Public Sector of the Netherlands Ministry of Interior Affairs, and Marijn Fraanje, Director of Urban Development and Economic Affairs, City of The Hague.
The event underscored the importance of identifying concrete use cases across the UN family and leveraging quantum technologies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In that sense, UNICC and Quantum Delta NL signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in (1) exploring the use of quantum technologies for the benefit of UNICC partners, (2) organizing joint events for raising awareness on this frontier technology across the UN system and (3) working jointly to identify and implement prioritized projects.
“Quantum technologies represent a new frontier in innovation, holding immense potential to address the world’s most pressing challenges. Our collaboration with Quantum Delta NL is a significant step towards fostering critical discussions on its potential, governance and real-world applications.
Working together with diverse stakeholders is essential to harnessing quantum technologies for a more sustainable and equitable future
Sameer Chauhan, Director, UNICC
As part of this collaboration, further expert events and activities will be held in the lead-up to the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. UNICC and Quantum Delta NL will co-host a follow-up conference on 20 and 21 November 2024 in The Hague, Netherlands, in close collaboration with global partners. The conference aims to solidify a work plan for the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025 and establish a framework for reporting tangible results by the end of the year.
Now that interest in quantum is growing, it is a crucial time for our tech community to invest in outreach and capacity-building – beyond the obvious stakeholders and countries. With the UNICC, we have a fantastic partner to build a network of pioneers across the globe so that we can explore how this technology can help achieve the SDGs.
Pieter de Witte, Board Member and Director Research Programmes & IP, Quantum Delta NL
For more information, please contact:
At UNICC: [email protected]
At Quantum Delta NL: Diederick Croese, [email protected]
About UNICC
The United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) is the UN’s largest strategic partner providing common, trusted and cybersecure digital foundations for the entire UN system. Through state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure, digital tools, cybersecurity services and data and artificial intelligence solutions, UNICC promotes progress toward a more connected, secure and sustainable UN.
About Quantum Delta NL
Quantum Delta NL (QDNL) is a quantum technology ecosystem in the heart of Europe that strives to create significant societal impact through technological advancements. QDNL’s ecosystem is built around three catalyst programs – quantum computing and simulation, national quantum network and quantum sensing applications – and tied together with four action lines – research and innovation, quantum ecosystem, human capital and societal impact. QDNL’s commitment to steering quantum technology development for societal benefit is reflected in the creation of its Centre for Quantum and Society, a knowledge and co-creation center dedicated to minimizing the negative and maximizing the positive impact of quantum technologies through research, awareness activities and user engagement.
