diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index b7fc0c75..a8bb9537 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -28,6 +28,13 @@ if(POLICY CMP0105)
 endif()
 
 
+# C++ Standard in Superbuilds #################################################
+#
+# This is the easiest way to push up a C++17 requirement for AMReX, PICSAR and
+# openPMD-api until they increase their requirement.
+set_cxx17_superbuild()
+
+
 # CCache Support ##############################################################
 #
 # this is an optional tool that stores compiled object files; allows fast
diff --git a/cmake/pyAMReXFunctions.cmake b/cmake/pyAMReXFunctions.cmake
index 353e40b3..c1ea6256 100644
--- a/cmake/pyAMReXFunctions.cmake
+++ b/cmake/pyAMReXFunctions.cmake
@@ -1,3 +1,31 @@
+# Set C++17 for the whole build if not otherwise requested
+#
+# This is the easiest way to push up a C++17 requirement for AMReX, PICSAR and
+# openPMD-api until they increase their requirement.
+#
+macro(set_cxx17_superbuild)
+    if(NOT DEFINED CMAKE_CXX_STANDARD)
+        set(CMAKE_CXX_STANDARD 17)
+    endif()
+    if(NOT DEFINED CMAKE_CXX_EXTENSIONS)
+        set(CMAKE_CXX_EXTENSIONS OFF)
+    endif()
+    if(NOT DEFINED CMAKE_CXX_STANDARD_REQUIRED)
+        set(CMAKE_CXX_STANDARD_REQUIRED ON)
+    endif()
+
+    if(NOT DEFINED CMAKE_CUDA_STANDARD)
+        set(CMAKE_CUDA_STANDARD 17)
+    endif()
+    if(NOT DEFINED CMAKE_CUDA_EXTENSIONS)
+        set(CMAKE_CUDA_EXTENSIONS OFF)
+    endif()
+    if(NOT DEFINED CMAKE_CUDA_STANDARD_REQUIRED)
+        set(CMAKE_CUDA_STANDARD_REQUIRED ON)
+    endif()
+endmacro()
+
+
 # find the CCache tool and use it if found
 #
 macro(set_ccache)