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In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, some concepts emerge that promise to reshape our world fundamentally. Quantum computing is undeniably one such concept. It's not just a buzzword; it's a force with the potential to revolutionize industries, solve complex challenges, and redefine the limits of human innovation. In a recent gathering at the Tech Diplomacy Playground, this fascinating world of quantum computing took center stage, and we had the privilege of hosting Rudolf Rotheneder, Senior VP of HQ-HPC Development at QMware AG, as our guide.

On the evening of September 18, 2023, the GoSilicon Valley Austrian Startup Demo Night 2023 took place at Parklab Gardens in San Francisco. The event provided participants of this year's GoUSA 2023 | Silicon Valley Startup Landing Zone with a unique opportunity to showcase innovative solutions and products through brief pitches to an audience consisting of founders, innovators, and investors from the Bay Area. More than 150 attendees, including representatives from the Austrian community in San Francisco, gathered for this key event hosted by Open Austria.

The Austrian Cultural Forum in New York hosted a two-day conference called "Science Diplomacy in Times of Global Crises" during the 78th UN General Assembly. The event focused on bridging the gap between science and diplomacy in the face of global challenges, including the impact of war and the COVID-19 pandemic on scientific research. It also discussed the importance of ethical AI and addressed challenges like foreign interference and misinformation in international science cooperation.

The Open Austria team proudly joined the vibrant celebration of the 2023 SF Pride Parade, expressing unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. The message they conveyed was clear: no individual should endure violence or discrimination based on their identity or whom they choose to love. Austria, committed to fostering tolerance and inclusivity, firmly believes that the rights of the LGBTQ+ community are fundamental human rights.

The Tech Diplomacy Network, in cooperation with the World Economic Forum's Center for the 4th Industrial Revolution, organized an event in San Francisco on the topic of a possible future AI regulatory agency. The opening panel discussion featured the participation of Amandeep Singh, the UN Tech Envoy, John C. Havens from the standardization agency IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and Anka Reuel, a computer science doctoral candidate at Stanford University.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recently organized a significant one-day roundtable event on the B-Tech Project in the vibrant city of San Francisco. This event, held on June 14, aimed to provide valuable assistance to companies in implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), highlighting the growing importance of human rights considerations in the tech industry.

On May 9th, 2023, the European Union Office in San Francisco hosted a momentous event in collaboration with the Consulate General of Luxembourg and the Honorary Consul of Sweden. Graced by the esteemed presence of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Luxembourg, the Consular Corps was cordially invited to join them at the esteemed San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The gathering aimed to celebrate the European Union's birthday and its enduring presence on the vibrant shores of the US West Coast.

From 24 to 29 April 2023, Austrian State Secretary for Youth and Civil Service, Claudia Plakolm visited New York and California. The trip to the tech hub of San Francisco and Silicon Valley included visits to Meta, NVIDIA, and Plug and Play, among others.

From 19 to 24 April 2023 State Secretary for Digitalization, Telecommunication and Postal Affairs Florian Tursky together with Member of Parliament (MP) Süleyman Zorba traveled to the Silicon Valley for meetings with representatives of leading technology companies such as Google, Apple, and Meta. Discussions there centered around generative artificial intelligence, a field in which developments are advancing at accelerating speed.

Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Integration, Media and Youth, Susanne Raab, traveled to California on 8 March 2023, after having participated in the High-Level Panel of the United Nations Committee on the Status of Women in New York. The delegation’s trip to the tech hub of San Francisco and Silicon Valley centered around the theme of "Women in Tech," in commemoration of International Women's Day 2023.