Science diplomacy: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis announces launch of Open Quantum Institute
Bern, 13.10.2023 - On 13 October, the head of the FDFA announced the launch of the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), a joint initiative of the FDFA, GESDA, CERN and UBS. Based in Geneva, its aim is to put quantum technologies at the service of the common good. Among other objectives, the OQI will help to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Quantum computing will transform our society and our planet, as the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) foundation has announced. This technology, which will dramatically increase computer processing speed, was the focus of policy discussions at the third GESDA summit in Geneva on 13 October. Mr Cassis called on the world's leaders to take action to prevent the digital divide between those who have access to new technologies and those who do not from widening even further. Cassis considers the creation of global governance structures for quantum computing to be vitally important.
Open Quantum Institute
The OQI responds to the need to unite around this theme. It also aims to harness quantum technology to accelerate progress towards the SDGs, and to facilitate access to this cutting-edge technology worldwide. Based in Geneva, the OQI is the result of a partnership between the FDFA, GESDA, CERN and UBS. "The launch of this institute reaffirms Switzerland's determination to continue to invest in science diplomacy. Only then will we be in a position to respond more rapidly to the challenges that will impact our planet", said Cassis.
More targeted medicines and carbon reduction
Scientists are already working on concrete applications for quantum computing in the fight against hunger, access to healthcare and climate change, which are at the heart of the SDGs. In concrete terms, quantum computing solutions have the potential to predict antibiotic resistance patterns more quickly and accurately, for example, and to identify new, more targeted drugs. This technology also promises to enhance the catalytic process that fixes carbon to material surfaces, thereby helping to mitigate climate change. The creation of the OQI will enable states to tackle the many vital challenges they face locally.
"The OQI offers countries wishing to partner with Switzerland a forum and space to ensure that the benefits of quantum computing will accrue to all of humanity, not just a minority," said Cassis.
Created in 2019 at the instigation of the Swiss Confederation, GESDA is an independent, not-for-profit foundation. It provides diplomats and scientists with a forum for dialogue and collaboration on real-world projects. Among them is the GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar, an annual report that provides an overview of the scientific breakthroughs that will attract the most attention and investment over the next 5, 10 and 25 years.
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