International Day of Light

The International Day of Light is celebrated every year on May 16. This global initiative, led by UNESCO, highlights the importance of light and light-based technologies in our daily lives and their critical role in science, culture, education, sustainable development, and many other fields.

The date, May 16, commemorates the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist Theodore Maiman. This groundbreaking invention paved the way for numerous advancements in communications, healthcare, and technology.

The International Day of Light serves several purposes:

• Raising awareness about the essential role light plays in science and technology.
• Promoting education in science, particularly physics and optics.
• Encouraging international cooperation and knowledge-sharing across disciplines.
• Inspiring innovation in energy efficiency, sustainable lighting, and digital technologies.

Events around the world include lectures, exhibitions, art displays, workshops, and community activities that demonstrate the impact of light in fields like medicine, communication, energy, and astronomy.