The International Day of Light celebrates the role light plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy.

The International Day of Light is celebrated on 16 May each year, the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. This day is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and harness its potential to foster peace and sustainable development. Resolution adopted by the UNESCO executif board.

Forum: International Day of Light.

1. Why light matters?

• Light, science and technology

• Light & development

• Light, education & culture

2. What UNESCO Does for Scientific cooperation?

• Investing in Science, Technology and Innovation.

• Building Capacity in Science and Engineering

• SESAME: a visionary endeavor in science and diplomacy.

EVENTS:

The celebration of light will allow many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrates how science, technology, art and culture can help achieve the goals of UNESCO – building the foundation for peaceful societies.

• Activities from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)