Two-day closing event on 10–11 February marks achievements, legacy, and the future of quantum science worldwide
Accra, Ghana — After a landmark year of historic, worldwide engagement, UNESCO’s 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) will conclude with a high-profile closing celebration in Accra, Ghana, on 10 and 11 February, welcoming participants and guests from across the globe.
The two-day event will feature prominent speakers, expert panels, and cultural programming that celebrate the success of the global initiative, reflect on its lasting impact, and formally launch the Global Quantum Initiative —designed to sustain and expand the momentum generated throughout IYQ 2025. The event is open to the public with prior registration required and will be live-streamed worldwide for virtual participants.
Launched in early 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology significantly elevated public awareness of the transformative role quantum science and technology will play in society. Hundreds of grassroots and official events were held throughout the year, inspiring younger generations, accelerating quantum capacity in developing countries, and strengthening global collaboration.
Emily Edwards, Member of the IYQ Steering Committee and Associate Research Professor at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering, said:
“The entire year was filled with impactful events happening all over the world. It has been a wonderful experience working alongside such dedicated and distinguished colleagues, and collectively we are deeply grateful to everyone who made IYQ 2025 such a success. We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm continue into 2026 through the closing ceremony and proud of the strong foundation laid for the future.”
The Accra gathering brings together Ghanaian government officials, UNESCO leadership, university professors, and representatives from international scientific organizations. While global in scope, hosting the closing ceremony in Ghana underscores Africa’s growing role and future leadership in the global quantum ecosystem.
Special programme highlights include:
* Screening of the Quantum 100 video
* Presentation and discussion of UNESCO’s official IYQ 2025 report
* Reading of the winning entry from the IYQ 2025 Poetry Contest
* A science-inspired performance by a Ghanaian youth ensemble
* An exhibition featuring IYQ sponsors
* A welcome dinner hosted by the Ghanaian Minister for Education
Key thematic sessions across the two days include:
* A Century of Quantum Science: Celebrating 100 Years of Discovery, Impact, and the Next Frontier for Humanity
* From Celebration to Continuity: Consolidating the Gains of IYQ 2025 and Advancing the International Day of Quantum Science
* Africa and the Future of Quantum Science and Technology: Leadership, Innovation, and the Road Ahead
* Unlocking Tomorrow: Quantum Knowledge as a Catalyst for Human Advancement
* Strategic Priorities Shaping the Next Decade of Quantum Science and Technology
* Quantum Science for Global Development: Building Talent, Expanding Access, and National Competitiveness
* Preparing the World for a Quantum Future: Education, Skills, and Youth-Led Innovation
Keynote speakers and panelists include:
Haruna Iddrisu (Ghana Minister of Education); John Doyle (American Physical Society); Michele Dougherty (Institute of Physics); Sir Peter Knight (Imperial College London); Amal Kasry (UNESCO); Francis Oduro (KNUST); Emily Edwards (Duke University); Paul Cadden-Zimansky (Bard College); Yasser Omar (Portuguese Quantum Institute); Sandro Scandolo (ICTP); Nii Narku Quaynor (University of Cape Coast); Ahmed Younes (Alexandria University); Yassera Ismail (Stellenbosch University); Estelle Inack (Perimeter Institute); Zeblon Vilakazi (Wits University); Heike Riel (German Physical Society); Jonathan Bagger (American Physical Society); Silvina Ponce Dawson (IUPAP); Ahmadou Wague (African Physical Society); Joe Queenan (SC Quantum); Tommaso Calarco (EU Quantum Flagship); Mira Wolf-Bauwens (GESDA); Gillian Makamara (ITU); Carla Hermann (University of Chile); Rosario Fazio (ICTP); Prince Osei (AIMS); Daniel Moraes (Venturus); and David Morcuende (QuIC).
The success of IYQ 2025 was made possible by the support of numerous sponsors and partners, led by Microsoft, SC Quantum, QLLIANSE, Quantinuum, D-Wave, Berthold Leibinger Stiftung, APS, Chinese Optical Society, DPG, IPO, Optica, SPIE, AIP, Frontiers, IEEE, NQSTI, along with many other industry associations, academic institutions, philanthropic organizations, and companies worldwide.
To register for the event or learn more about the closing ceremony and the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, visit quantum2025.org.
A live stream of the event will be available on the IYQ YouTube channel.
