Physics and diplomacy through international cooperation and collaboration

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded following the devastation of the Second World War with the hope of finding a route to lasting peace. The basic sciences, including physics, have played an important role within UNESCO toward reaching that elusive goal. Working towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all of humanity, as mapped out by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, is one way in which physics is contributing, e.g., through technologies derived from ground-breaking research that can significantly improve the quality of life of people in the most remote regions of the world as well as in industrialized countries. Facilitating international collaboration (and friendship) between scientists, including those from countries under severe sanctions or without direct diplomatic ties, is also a step towards peace through mutual respect, understanding and a shared purpose. Not least, globally-connected cooperative outreach events, such as international days and years-- including the APS-led initiative to have 2025 designated as an International Year of Quantum Science and Technology-- provide opportunities for all of us to communicate effectively with diverse members of our societies, raising awareness of the importance of fundamental science, technology and innovation for a collectively better future, and aiming to develop trust in our larger communities, without which progress will be difficult.