Advancing Global Collaboration: Insights from Dutch Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar at Quantum World Congress 2024
At this year's Quantum World Congress, Her Excellency Birgitta Tazelaar, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States, delivered a keynote that illuminated the vital role of international collaboration in the future of quantum technology. With her decades of diplomatic experience, including her tenure as Deputy Director General for International Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tazelaar brought a unique perspective on how nations can unite to advance quantum technology’s global impact.
During her address, Ambassador Tazelaar emphasized that the Netherlands has long been a leader in quantum innovation, driven by the nation’s deep-rooted culture of collaboration. "Alone you go faster, together you go further," she remarked, quoting a Dutch proverb that reflects the country’s dedication to collective progress. Drawing on centuries of history, including the Netherlands' efforts to reclaim land from the sea, she linked this collaborative spirit to the modern quantum ecosystem. Today, the Netherlands is at the forefront of quantum computing, communication, and sensing, with programs like Quantum Delta fostering global partnerships and innovation.
Her Excellency Birgitta Tazelaar, Dutch Ambassador to the United States, captivated the audience at Quantum World Congress 2024 with her keynote on the transformative power of quantum technology.
One of the more lighthearted moments in her speech involved a story about last year’s VIP International Dinner that she hosted at the Dutch Embassy. During the event, several ambassadors from around the world spoke about their countries’ impressive strides in quantum technology. As the host, Ambassador Tazelaar was given the final word and, to highlight the Netherlands' leadership in the field, jokingly shared her password with the audience: "Capital N, capital L, exclamation mark—the best in quantum!" This humorous quip about quantum's capability to crack passwords in seconds became a recurring theme in her speech.
Ambassador Tazelaar also highlighted the pressing purpose of quantum technology in addressing critical global challenges. From expediting drug development to facilitating the energy transition, quantum’s potential to reshape industries and solve previously intractable problems was a key theme. "Quantum technology is not just a scientific breakthrough—it’s a solution to real-world problems," she said, discussing how quantum computers can model complex molecules and accelerate the discovery of life-saving medicines. She also pointed to quantum’s ability to enhance cryptography, energy research, and sustainability efforts, with the Dutch ecosystem leading the charge in these areas.
Another critical aspect of her speech focused on the inclusivity and diversity of the quantum field. Ambassador Tazelaar stressed the importance of engaging more women and underrepresented minorities in quantum sciences. The Dutch initiative 'Women in Quantum Development' (WIQD) aims to bridge the gender divide and create a more inclusive future for the quantum industry.
In addition, Ambassador Tazelaar shared examples of the Netherlands' global leadership in quantum, including the Quantum Accord signed at last year’s Quantum World Congress, and collaborative efforts with the U.S., Canada, and other partners. She outlined a vision for continued transatlantic cooperation in quantum technology, calling for the creation of common standards and a unified approach to quantum research and innovation.
Ending with her signature humor, Ambassador Tazelaar offered a final twist on her "quantum password" joke. Her new password: "Quantum with a capital Q! Together we go further."
Her address was a testament to the Netherlands' leadership in quantum technology and its unwavering commitment to working hand-in-hand with the global community. As we advance into the next era of quantum breakthroughs, it is clear that international collaboration, championed by leaders like Ambassador Tazelaar, will be essential in harnessing the full potential of quantum technology to benefit humanity.
