At the global nexus of science, diplomacy, and societal transformation, AIMS Ghana made a remarkable impression at the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) Summit 2025, held from 15–17 October at the European Organization for Nuclear Research – CERN in Geneva. The AIMS Ghana delegation comprised Dr. Prince Koree Osei, Centre President and Director for Quantum Leap Africa; Charlene (Asiedu) Danso Amoah from the Communications Department; and two outstanding AIMS Ghana alumni from the Quantathon-winning team QUALARIA, during the AIMS QTEdu Gloabal Event, Prince Dorcis Akpaglo and Augustina Agyeman, supported by CERN’s Open Quantum Institute (OQI).

The Summit brought together over a thousand researchers, policymakers, diplomats, funders, and civil society groups to explore how cutting-edge science can be harnessed to address humanity’s most pressing challenges through diplomacy, collaboration, and foresight. Representing AIMS Ghana, the delegation actively engaged in discussions around artificial intelligence, quantum science, and international relations, all anchored on the thought-provoking question, “What does it mean to be human in the 21st century?” They joined conversations about open science, anticipatory governance, and how STEM innovation can shape a more connected and resilient world.

At the heart of GESDA’s agenda lies the call to anticipate global challenges before they escalate into crises, an approach that resonates strongly with AIMS Ghana’s vision of using mathematical sciences to drive sustainable development across Africa. Through engagements at the summit, Dr. Prince Osei emphasized the importance of integrating African perspectives into global science diplomacy and ensuring that the continent’s scientific capacity grows alongside global innovation.

The participation of the QUALARIA team in GESDA’s ecosystem is a continuation of the groundbreaking work done during the AIMS QTEdu Quantathon 2025, held in July at the AIMS Ghana campus. The hackathon, organised in collaboration with OQI, challenged young African innovators to design quantum computing solutions addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants worked on projects involving malaria drug discovery, desalination, and sustainable energy solutions using quantum simulation platforms. The QUALARIA team, featuring Augustina Agyeman and Prince Dorcis, developed an innovative quantum model to accelerate ligand identification for malaria research, earning them both the top and sustainability awards. Their appearance at the GESDA Summit symbolised the rise of African youth on the global quantum stage.

AIMS Ghana’s involvement at GESDA underscores a growing commitment to embed African expertise in the evolving fields of quantum science, artificial intelligence, and science diplomacy. It highlights the need for Africa to be represented at global decision-making tables where technology and humanity intersect. The experience reaffirmed three central lessons: that anticipatory science diplomacy is key in an era of rapid innovation; that African institutions can drive scalable, real-world applications of quantum science; and that inclusive international partnerships are essential for a balanced global future.

By participating in GESDA 2025, AIMS Ghana not only showcased leadership in quantum education and foresight but also reaffirmed its role as a vital voice in shaping a future where African innovation and collaboration are indispensable. As Dr. Osei aptly stated, “The future of quantum and AI is not predetermined elsewhere, Africa has a seat, a voice, and a stake.” With alumni like Augustina Agyeman and Prince Dorcis leading the charge, the message is clear: Africa’s scientific community is ready to anticipate, collaborate, and lead.

Photo credit: AIMS, GESDA, and OQI