The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), in collaboration with the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator Foundation (GESDA), will host the 2024 Innovations Dialogue on 22 November at the Campus Biotech in Geneva, Switzerland.
Under the theme Quantum Technologies and their Implications for International Peace and Security, the event will bring together leading scientists, policy experts and industry representatives to address the transformative impact of quantum technologies on international security. It will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on the peaceful use of quantum technologies and the importance of collaborative international frameworks to prevent misuse.
“Quantum technology has the power to redefine the boundaries of global security, presenting both incredible opportunities and significant risks,” said Dr Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director. “Its rapid advancement compels us to confront new ethical and governance challenges that go beyond traditional frameworks. By teaming up with GESDA, we aim to bring together diverse voices and build bridges between innovation and diplomacy – setting the stage for responsible innovation for the benefit of all.”
As technological advancements continue to reshape the global landscape, quantum technologies are emerging at the forefront of innovation. Following last year’s UNIDIR multistakeholder dialogue on quantum, the 2024 Innovations Dialogue will allow experts to assess the state of quantum technology, examine its implications for strategic stability and explore opportunities for multilateral engagement on risk management and regulation. Through interdisciplinary discussions, participants will address critical questions around the ethical dimensions, potential misuse and governance needs surrounding quantum technology in the context of global peace.
“Quantum computing stands at the frontier of technological innovation, with the potential to revolutionize our approach to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including those related to global security,” said Sandro Giuliani, GESDA CEO. “Through the GESDA’s ‘Quantum for All’ initiative—encompassing the Open Quantum Institute, the XPRIZE in partnership with Google and efforts to activate the private sector—GESDA focuses on unlocking this transformative power to responsibly integrate quantum technologies into solutions that benefit humanity. We are delighted to join forces with UNIDIR on this year’s Innovations Dialogue: it will offer a vital platform to deepen the discussions on leveraging quantum technology for global security issues.”
The Innovations Dialogue is organized by UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, which works to address global security challenges posed by emerging digital technologies, and is co-sponsored by the Czech Republic, the European Union, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Microsoft. This flagship event serves as a unique multistakeholder forum examining developments in science and technology that have significant implications for international peace and security.
For further information, please contact Claudia Marquina, UNIDIR Head of Communications at claudia.marquina@un.org.
For further information about GESDA and its Quantum for All initiative, please contact Jean-Marc Crevoisier, Director of Marketing & Communication at jean-marc.crevoisier@gesda.global.
About UNIDIR
The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on pressing global challenges related to disarmament, arms control and international security. Our research expertise promotes an inclusive dialogue to find creative and effective solutions. Our work aims to provide the foundations for meaningful collective action towards a more secure world. For more information, visit www.unidir.org.
About GESDA
The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) is an independent non-profit foundation under Swiss law and a private-public partnership with the Swiss and Geneva authorities. Created in 2019, it aims at strengthening the impact and innovation capacity of the international community through science and diplomacy anticipation.