International Day of Light

Description :

The International Day of Light is celebrated on 16th May each year. This day is the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser by Theodore Maiman of physicist and engineer in 1960. Also, the International Day of Light is a platform to strengthen scientific cooperation and sustainable development, improve the quality of life worldwide, and harness its potential to foster peace. Light plays a main role in our lives. Because, alternative energy sources, light-speed internet, diagnostics technology and treatments, and many other discoveries were led by the studies of light.

The International Day of Light is a global opportunity to celebrate the role it plays in various fields such as education and sustainable development, culture and art, science, communications, medicine, and energy. This celebration provides activities that demonstrate how science, technology, art, and culture can help achieve the goals of UNESCO to participate in various sectors of society around the world. This will support building the foundation for societies with education, equality, and peace. This day is administered by the Steering Committee, which includes representatives from a broad range of international partners of the International Basic Science Programme (IBSP) of UNESCO.

The Executive Board of UNESCO has proclaimed the International Day of Light on 16th May of every year (200 EX/Decision 27) at its 200th session. They established this day based on a highly successful International Year of Light which considered the importance of light-based sciences and technologies. Also, they considered more than 13,168 activities implemented in 147 countries. The 39th General Conference has approved this decision from document 39 C/40. This day will encourage activities & education in science for the worldwide community.