Quantum technologies promise major breakthroughs in medicine, climate action, trade and more. Risks – especially of cyberattacks – are equally powerful. ITU works to keep tech safe, close new digital divides, and unlock quantum for good.
Quantum technologies are rapidly advancing. While classical computers process information in bits, quantum technologies harness quantum mechanics principles to approach complex problems in new ways. With their power to boost AI pattern recognition and machine learning, they are set to revolutionize societies.
Quantum technologies have the potential to:
optimize industrial processes and supply chains,
improve sustainable energy grids and smart cities,
better predict diseases,
boost telemedicine,
advance weather forecasts and climate models, and
help the space industry coordinate its explosive growth in satellites.
As these technologies mature, they also bring significant challenges, such as daunting new cybersecurity threats. They also are likely to deepen existing digital disparities, especially if access remains uneven.
ITU works to keep tech safe, close new digital divides, and unlock quantum for good.
Building awareness
The UN is building greater awareness by declaring 2025 as the International Year of Quantum. With 2025 as a symbolic rallying point, ITU builds on partnerships between governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society to shape quantum initiatives in a positive way.
ITU is expanding its AI for Good platform to include Quantum for Good, bringing together global experts to explore quantum-powered solutions for sustainable development.
“We have barely scratched the surface of what quantum technologies can do. These technologies can help fix the world’s biggest problems, from connectivity gaps to poverty and inequality to the climate crisis. However, this massive potential also comes with risks that we, at ITU, are already working to mitigate and address.”
Tomas Lamanauskas, ITU Deputy Secretary-General
Safety first
Quantum technologies present dual cybersecurity challenges. While quantum computing threatens to break current encryption methods, quantum communications offer new security solutions. This makes developing cybersecurity strategies and standards a critical priority.
Promoting existing standards to shape quantum for good is an essential step. Equally important is to continue developing new standards.
ITU’s standardization work addresses both immediate and long-term security needs, to help everyone prepare for the quantum future. Since the first Recommendation in 2019 – ITU-T Recommendation Y.3800 – set a baseline for quantum technology use, ITU study groups have been developing security and global interoperability standards for quantum communications.
ITU’s initial focus has been on Quantum Key Distribution for quantum-safe encryption and authentication, involving over 300 experts from 180 organizations and 43 countries. Quantum Key Distribution uses quantum mechanics principles to generate and distribute cryptographic keys between parties, creating secure communication channels that cannot be intercepted without detection.
Expert study groups are now tasked to explore the use of post-quantum cryptography to counteract emerging threats, including those fuelled by generative AI.
Additionally, ITU is creating a database to capture quantum standards from around the globe.
ITU-T Study Group 17 develops standards that address security aspects of telecommunications, ICTs, and related applications like quantum
Bridging the quantum readiness gap
The world’s leading digital markets are poised to leap further ahead – with the risk of leaving others even further behind. Today, only a handful of countries are making substantial investments in quantum research and development, creating the risk of a new technological divide.
The quantum readiness gap extends beyond financial resources. It encompasses technical expertise, research infrastructure and educational capacity. Without coordinated international action, the digital divide could grow wider, instead of smaller.
ITU is working to close this gap by:
Expanding universal connectivity
Quantum-enabled communications require robust fiber infrastructure, yet billions remain offline. ITU works with partners around the world to ensure universal and meaningful connectivity.
Developing global quantum standards
ITU’s quantum standards ensure global security and interoperability, enabling all countries, regardless of their technological advancement, to adopt quantum technologies safely and strengthen cybersecurity.
Fostering local quantum research
Developing nations need skilled quantum experts. ITU works with countries to foster local quantum research and create opportunities
Promoting international cooperation
As a neutral platform for governments, private sector leaders, academia, and civil society, ITU works to ensure all countries have a voice in shaping quantum standards and facilitate cross-border collaboration on research and development.
A collective commitment
Shaping our quantum future together
The transformative potential of quantum technologies brings with it a global call for coordinated action across nations. Working together, we can harness quantum technologies to build a more connected, secure, and prosperous digital future for all.
Industry and telecommunications operators must lead in integrating quantum-safe security measures and participating in international standardization efforts — while investing in quantum-ready networks, the backbone of future applications.
Policymakers and regulators have a duty to create an enabling environment: comprehensive quantum readiness strategies and frameworks must balance innovation with security. International cooperation mechanisms are essential to prevent the emergence of new technological divides.
The academic and technical community are a vital bridge between innovation and implementation. Interdisciplinary education programmes and cross-border partnerships accelerate knowledge sharing, while preparing the next generation of quantum experts.
Civil society and international organizations must ensure these technologies serve the broader public good, advocating for equitable access and supporting capacity-building initiatives in developing regions.
Learn more by following the International Year of Quantum and by joining the Quantum for Good sessions at the AI for Good Summit. Organizations, researchers, and policymakers are invited to register now for the event here, to help shape a quantum future that is open, collaborative and beneficial for all.
