BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:unctad.org BEGIN:VEVENT UID:6ad88622417a9 DTSTART:20250408T070000Z SEQUENCE:0 TRANSP:OPAQUE DTEND:20250408T075000Z LOCATION:Geneva\, Switzerland SUMMARY:28th CSTD side event: Presentation of the quantum technology for th e development of humanity CLASS:PUBLIC DESCRIPTION:The discovery of quantum physics dates back approximately 100 y ears. Innovations such as the transistor\, which underpins all modern comp uter chips and consequently the digitalization of our world\, as well as l aser technology\, are based on quantum physical effects. These advances co nstituted the so-called "\;first quantum revolution"\;. Today\, we stand on the brink of a "\;second quantum revolution"\;\, poised to bring about even greater transformative impacts than the first.In light of this\, the Diplomatic Council (DC) has launched the "\;DC Quantum Leap"\; initiative to raise awareness across society\, business\, and politics about the sweeping changes driven by quantum technology. Contrary to the widespread belief that this technology remains a distant prospect\ , quantum computing is set to make its mark in the near future\, with earl y effects already becoming evident.Topics for discussionOpportunities and Risks of Quantum Technology for Human DevelopmentQuantum technology holds immense potential to transform multiple aspects of human life. While its o pportunities are vast\, it also presents significant risks that must be ma naged.Utilization of Quantum Technology to Improve Quality of LifeBelow ar e key areas where quantum technology can drive progress:Climate Research:Q uantum computing can enable earlier and more precise predictions of extrem e weather events\, allowing timely protective and emergency measures for a ffected populations.Medical Technology:Quantum sensing could revolutionize medical imaging\, replacing traditional methods like computedtomography ( CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These advanced techniques offer higher accuracy and more detailed representations\, improving diagnoses an d patient outcomes.Material Science:Quantum simulations of molecules and m aterials can lead to groundbreaking discoveries of substances with superio r properties. This could result in more efficient batteries\, innovative m edicines\, and enhanced industrial materials.Artificial Intelligence:Quant um computers have the potential to accelerate AI development by providing exponentially greater computational power. The synergy between AI and quan tum computing could enable new algorithms and innovations\, leading to num erous applications aimed at improving human life.Preparing for a "\;Qu antum Crisis"\;A critical risk posed by quantum technology is the even tual obsolescence of traditional encryption methods. Quantum computers cou ld decrypt current encryption standards\, exposing sensitive state and cor porate data to cyber criminals. Such a scenario could lead to a catastroph ic breach of information. Therefore\, immediate action is required:States\ , international institutions\, and businesses must prioritize transitioni ng to quantum-safe encryption.Critical infrastructure sectors – such as finance\, logistics\, and public utilities – should be secured as a matt er of urgency.Quantum Cloud Computing (Quantum-as-a-Service)To ensure glob al access to quantum technology\, quantum computing resources can be offer ed through cloud-based solutions. This approach would allow even less deve loped countries to benefit from quantum advancements without requiring the ir own quantum computing infrastructure. Additionally\, providing quantum- safe encryption methods to these countries will be essential for maintaini ng secure communication and data protection.ObjectiveThe event aims to pre pare governmental\, societal\, and economic stakeholders for the immense o pportunities and challenges posed by quantum technology. It will highlight the various fields likely to be transformed by this new technology and ou tline the expected nature of these changes. In doing so\, it will also lay the groundwork for potential discussions within the UN and its member sta tes on necessary and meaningful governance and monitoring programs.Format  The event will feature three speakers who will comprehensively cover the topic from all perspectives. They have a broad overview of relevant globa l developments and are personally acquainted with many of the key internat ional players in the field of quantum technology.This side event is open t o all approved participants of the 28th CSTD.SpeakersMrs. Thi Thai Hang Ng uyenMr. Harald A. SummaMr. Matthias ReidansProgramme09:00 Introduction DC Quantum Leap Initiative 09:05 100 Years of Quantum Mechanics 09:10  Q T at the Doorstep of the Next RevolutionFundamentals for QT Computing\, Se nsing and SecurityWhere do we stand?09:30  Utilization of Quantum Technol ogy to Improve Quality of Life Opportunities and ThreadsThe "\;Quantu m Crisis"\;09:45Q&\;A09:50End <\;p>\;The discovery of quantum physics dates back approximately 100 years. Innovations such as the transi stor\, which underpins all modern computer chips and consequently the digi talization of our world\, as well as laser technology\, are based on quant um physical effects. These advances constituted the so-called "\;first quantum revolution"\;. Today\, we stand on the brink of a "\;seco nd quantum revolution"\;\, poised to bring about even greater transfor mative impacts than the first.<\;/p>\;<\;p>\;In light of this\, th e Diplomatic Council (DC) has launched the "\;DC Quantum Leap"\; i nitiative to raise awareness across society\, business\, and politics abou t the sweeping changes driven by quantum technology. Contrary to the wides pread belief that this technology remains a distant prospect\, quantum com puting is set to make its mark in the near future\, with early effects alr eady becoming evident.<\;/p>\;<\;h4>\;<\;strong>\;Topics for d iscussion<\;/strong>\;<\;/h4>\;<\;p>\;<\;strong>\;Opportun ities and Risks of Quantum Technology for Human Development<\;/strong> \;<\;/p>\;<\;p>\;Quantum technology holds immense potential to tra nsform multiple aspects of human life. While its opportunities are vast\, it also presents significant risks that must be managed.<\;/p>\;<\;p >\;<\;strong>\;Utilization of Quantum Technology to Improve Quality of Life<\;/strong>\;<\;/p>\;<\;p>\;Below are key areas where q uantum technology can drive progress:<\;/p>\;<\;p>\;<\;u>\;Cli mate Research:<\;/u>\;<\;br>\;Quantum computing can enable earlier and more precise predictions of extreme weather events\, allowing timely protective and emergency measures for affected populations.<\;/p>\;< \;p>\;<\;u>\;Medical Technology:<\;/u>\;<\;br>\;Quantum sens ing could revolutionize medical imaging\, replacing traditional methods li ke computed<\;/p>\;<\;p>\;tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance i maging (MRI). These advanced techniques offer higher accuracy and more det ailed representations\, improving diagnoses and patient outcomes.<\;/p&g t\;<\;p>\;<\;u>\;Material Science:<\;/u>\;<\;br>\;Quantum simulations of molecules and materials can lead to groundbreaking discover ies of substances with superior properties. This could result in more effi cient batteries\, innovative medicines\, and enhanced industrial materials .<\;/p>\;<\;p>\;<\;u>\;Artificial Intelligence:<\;/u>\;< \;br>\;Quantum computers have the potential to accelerate AI development by providing exponentially greater computational power. The synergy betwe en AI and quantum computing could enable new algorithms and innovations\, leading to numerous applications aimed at improving human life.<\;/p>\ ;<\;p>\;<\;strong>\;Preparing for a "\;Quantum Crisis"\;&l t\;/strong>\;<\;/p>\;<\;p>\;A critical risk posed by quantum tec hnology is the eventual obsolescence of traditional encryption methods. Qu antum computers could decrypt current encryption standards\, exposing sens itive state and corporate data to cyber criminals. Such a scenario could l ead to a catastrophic breach of information. Therefore\, immediate action is required:<\;/p>\;<\;ul>\;<\;li>\;States\, international ins titutions\, and businesses&\;nbsp\;must prioritize transitioning to qua ntum-safe encryption.<\;/li>\;<\;li>\;Critical infrastructure sect ors – such as finance\, logistics\, and public utilities – should be s ecured as a matter of urgency.<\;/li>\;<\;/ul>\;<\;p>\;<\;st rong>\;Quantum Cloud Computing (Quantum-as-a-Service)<\;/strong>\;&l t\;/p>\;<\;p>\;To ensure global access to quantum technology\, quant um computing resources can be offered through cloud-based solutions. This approach would allow even less developed countries to benefit from quantum advancements without requiring their own quantum computing infrastructure . Additionally\, providing quantum-safe encryption methods to these countr ies will be essential for maintaining secure communication and data protec tion.<\;/p>\;<\;h4>\;<\;strong>\;Objective<\;/strong>\;< \;/h4>\;<\;p>\;The event aims to prepare governmental\, societal\, a nd economic stakeholders for the immense opportunities and challenges pose d by quantum technology. It will highlight the various fields likely to be transformed by this new technology and outline the expected nature of the se changes. In doing so\, it will also lay the groundwork for potential di scussions within the UN and its member states on necessary and meaningful governance and monitoring programs.<\;/p>\;<\;h4>\;<\;strong>\ ;Format&\;nbsp\;<\;/strong>\;<\;/h4>\;<\;p>\;The event will feature three speakers who will comprehensively cover the topic from all perspectives. They have a broad overview of relevant global developments a nd are personally acquainted with many of the key international players in the field of quantum technology.<\;/p>\;<\;p>\;This side event is open to all approved participants of the 28th CSTD.<\;/p>\;<\;h4> \;<\;strong>\;Speakers<\;/strong>\;<\;/h4>\;<\;ul>\;<\;l i>\;Mrs. Thi Thai Hang Nguyen<\;/li>\;<\;li>\;Mr. Harald A. Summ a<\;/li>\;<\;li>\;Mr. Matthias Reidans<\;/li>\;<\;/ul>\;&l t\;h4>\;<\;strong>\;Programme<\;/strong>\;<\;/h4>\;<\;tabl e width="\;603\n\nView meeting on unctad.org\nhttps://unctad.org/meeti ng/28th-cstd-side-event-presentation-quantum-technology-development-humani ty DTSTAMP:20261021T093010Z END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR