Quantum technologies - a Human rights centered global governance

As 2025 was designated International  Year  of  Quantum  Science  and  Technology (IYQ) by the United Nations, the PSIA Tech & Global Affairs Innovation Hub is proud to announce the co-publication of its latest policy brief dedicated to quantum technologies governance with the European University Institute (EUI) and UNESCO Information For All Programme (IFAP). 

In this paper, which is part of the IFAP Issue Briefs Series, Shamira Ahmed, Policy Leader Fellow at European University Institute, and Constance de Leusse, the Hub's Senior Advisor, provide an overview of the current governance landscape around quantum technologies and capacity building, then outline the risks stemming from the multidimensional “quantum divide.” 

Drawing lessons from Internet and AI governance, they suggest an inclusive human rights-based framework to ensure quantum technologies deliver benefits for all while safeguarding freedom of expression, right to privacy, and access to information.

Together, they formulate policy recommendations tackling:

• Infrastructure investments for Quantum Technologies
• Human rights-based legal and ethical frameworks
• Integration of Quantum Technologies governance in existing multistakeholder platforms
• Capacity-building measures to bridge gender inequalities and the broader quantum divide
• UNESCO's role in shaping the future of quantum governance

The Tech & Global Affairs Innovation Hub is deeply thankful for the editorial coordination of Dr. Xianhong Hu, Programme Specialist at the Secretariat of IFAP and Mr. Guilherme Canela de Souza Godoi, Director for Digital Policy and Transformation and IFAP Secretary of UNESCO.

Learn more by reading the full policy brief: Human rights centered global governance of quantum technologies: advancing information for all (PDF, 1,20Mo)