PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: United Nations has declared two international years: “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ)” & ” International Year of Cooperatives ” in 2025. On June 7, 2024, United Nations proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). According to the proclamation, this year-long, worldwide initiative will “be observed through activities at all levels aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of quantum science and applications.”
The year 2025 was chosen for this International Year as it recognizes 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics. IYQ began as a grassroots movement among a small number of scientists, educators, and historians who recognized that the centennial of quantum mechanics in 2025. They are working to broaden public understanding of how central quantum science and technology has become to humanity over the past 100 years and how its impact will likely only increase over the next 100 years.
In May 2024, Ghana formally submitted the resolution for official proclamation of the International Year to the U.N. General Assembly. On June 7, 2024 the U.N. General Assembly officially declared 2025 to be The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. The resolution was co-sponsored by over 70 countries, representing over 5 billion people.
On 19 June 2024, the UN General Assembly declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025) theme is ” Cooperatives Build a Better World” showcasing the enduring global impact of cooperatives have everywhere. This theme highlights on how the cooperative model is an essential solution to overcome many global challenges and continues to play an important role in accelerating efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Official launching of the IYC2025 took place in New Delhi, India, during the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly, in 25-30 November 2024 in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and other global leaders seeking to inspire cooperators worldwide.
International Year of Cooperatives 2025, themed “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” aims to raise awareness, promote growth, and inspire leadership in the cooperative movement. Year round celebration of both the United Nations observance will touch life of everyone in entire humanity as global population is expected to touch 8.09 billion in first week of January, 2025.