Connecting the world and beyond

ITU Global Quantum Challenge 2026

Dubai, 17-18 September 2026

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) organized the Global Quantum Challenge 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 17 to 18 September 2026, hosted by the United Arab Emirates Cyber Security Council, alongside the GISEC Global Conference 2026.

The event was preceded on 16 September 2026 by meetings of the ITU-T Study Group 17 Regional Group for Africa (SG17RG-AFR) and the ITU-T Study Group 17 Regional Group for the Arab Region (SG17RG-ARB), at the same venue.

Advances in quantum computing are expected to have significant implications for the security of digital communications, particularly for systems that rely on currently deployed public-key cryptography. Preparing for the transition to quantum-safe technologies requires coordinated action across governments, industry, academia, standards development organizations, and the broader technical community.

The Global Quantum Challenge provided a collaborative environment for participating organizations to assess their preparedness, exercise coordination mechanisms through simulated quantum-related cybersecurity scenarios, and exchange practical experience to support the transition to quantum-safe communications.

Target audience

The Global Quantum Challenge was open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates, Academic Institutions, and individuals from ITU Member States wishing to contribute to the work. Participation wasfree of charge. Given the practical nature of the Challenge , participation by technical teams from national Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs), Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), and other national authorities responsible for incident response was particularly encouraged.