Through his tireless commitment to global science diplomacy, Riche-Mike Wellington has championed African leadership in major international scientific initiatives. As Deputy Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, he brings over 25 years of distinguished experience in education, science policy, cultural heritage, and multilateral engagement—consistently ensuring that Africa’s scientific priorities are represented on the world stage.

Wellington played a pivotal and high-level advocacy role in the processes that led to the UN General Assembly’s proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025). From the drafting stages to intergovernmental consultations, he provided technical inputs, mobilized African Member States, and championed Ghana’s leadership in the initiative. His efforts were instrumental in securing a broad international consensus and in positioning Africa as an essential partner in shaping the global quantum science agenda. He continues to drive the continent’s engagement by coordinating regional consultations, promoting capacity-building pathways for African researchers, and strengthening partnerships between governments, academia, and industry.

Beyond his quantum diplomacy efforts, Wellington has contributed to central transformative science and education initiatives, including the establishment of AIMS-Ghana and ARC-EDS, a pan-African conference addressing education, innovation, and youth skills development.