Quantum Diplomacy: A New Global Foreign Policy Race

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Panel

Ivo Daalder, Jon Finer, Kathleen Hicks, Jennifer Scanlon, and Sebastian Wray discuss the race to shape quantum’s geopolitical future.

Five people sit in white chairs on a stage while having a discussion

Ana Miyares Photography

Speakers

Ivo H. Daalder
Jon Finer
Kathleen Hicks
Jennifer Scanlon
Sebastian Wray

Event Date

July 23, 2025

About This Event

Quantum isn’t just a scientific race—it's a geopolitical one. As quantum capabilities evolve, nations are grappling with their strategic, security, and economic implications. This conversation, which took place during the Global Quantum Forum, explores the emerging field of quantum diplomacy and the critical need for international cooperation before competition takes the lead.

About the Speakers

Ivo H. Daalder

President Emeritus, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Ivo H. Daalder served as the US ambassador to NATO from 2009 to 2013. He joined the Council as president in 2013, took on the new role of CEO in 2023, and now serves as president emeritus. Previously, he was a senior fellow in foreign policy studies at the Brookings Institution and served as director for European affairs on President Bill Clinton’s National Security Council.

Jon Finer

Carnegie Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Columbia School of International and Public Affairs

Jon Finer served four years as President Biden’s Principal Deputy National Security Advisor, advising on foreign policy and leading national security and crisis response. A recipient of the National Security Medal, the president’s highest award for contributions to national security, he also held various roles in the Obama administration.

Kathleen Hicks

Former Deputy Secretary of Defense

Kathleen Hicks served as the 35th US Deputy Secretary of Defense. She previously served as senior vice president and director of the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Donald Marron Scholar at the Kissinger Center for Global Affairs at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies.

Jennifer Scanlon

President and CEO, UL Solutions Inc.

With a deep foundation in and commitment to science, technology, and engineering, Jennifer Scanlon leads UL Solutions in its ambition to become customers’ most trusted safety, security, and sustainability partner. Prior to UL Solutions, she was president and CEO of USG Corporation and led the company through a major international expansion, digital transformation, and sustainable evolution.

Sebastian Wray

Quantum Tech Specialist, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Sebastian Wray serves as Denmark’s quantum diplomat in North America, where he leads Denmark’s regional political, commercial, and academic cooperation on quantum technologies. Before his current post, he was based in Silicon Valley, where he served as chief strategy advisor to Denmark’s tech ambassador.

Global Quantum Forum This event is part of the Global Quantum Forum, a two-day event covering topics such as national security, policy, AI, energy, workforce, and more.

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Presenting Partners

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Founded in 1922, the Council is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led public opinion research influence policy conversations and inform the insights we share with our growing community. Through open dialogue of diverse, fact-based perspectives, we empower people to shape our global future.

P33

P33 is dedicated to building programs, partnerships, advocacy, and coalitions that promote inclusive economic growth for the city and region.

Regional Priorities works to inclusively build and activate regional Deep Tech ecosystems, identifying and pushing forward promising emerging markets while continuing to advance existing scientific fields.

Intersect Illinois

The only statewide economic development organization focused on bringing new business, jobs, and investment to Illinois. Intersect Illinois helps companies navigate the site selection process by providing data, location assistance, connections, and more.

The partnership has mobilized more than 20 organizations and institutions, with 100+ individuals contributing to its efforts.

Presenting Sponsor