International Day of Light 2024: Theme, Significance, History,

The International Day of Light marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of laser in the year 1960, conducted by well-known physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. The day is observed every year on 16 May and aims at consolidating scientific collaboration and harnessing its potential to nurture sustainable development and peace.

The idea behind observing the International Day of Light is to provide awareness about the important role that light-based technologies play in human lives. It also aims to uplift technology and science so that the goals of UNESCO, namely, education, equality and peace can be achieved.

International Day of Light 2024 Date

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for International Day of Light for the next 5 years.

Event	Date	Day
International Day of Light 2024	May 16, 2024	Thursday
International Day of Light 2025	May 16, 2025	Friday
International Day of Light 2026	May 16, 2026	Saturday
International Day of Light 2027	May 16, 2027	Sunday

International Day of Light 2024 Overview

Event	International Day of Light 2024
Date	May 16, 2024
Day	Thursday
Declared by	UNESCO

Significance of International Day of Light

Light plays an important role in not only our lives but also in the field of science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development. More than that, light also finds its application in fields of medicine, communications and energy. On the most basic level, light is responsible for photosynthesis and is the origin of life as well. To celebrate all that light does and can do for us, International Day of Light began to be celebrated.

Information about International day of living together in peace

Study of light has led to finding medical advances in diagnostics technology and treatments that turned out to be a lifesaving discovery. Alternative energy sources, light-speed internet and many more discoveries are there that revolutionized society which was only possible with the development of light-based technology.

History behind International Day of Light

To raise awareness around the globe regarding the achievements of light science and its numerous applications, the United Nations observe the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies in 2015 (IYL 2015). The event was a great success and following it, the countries of Ghana, Mexico, New Zealand and Russia put forward a resolution before the UNESCO Executive Board supporting to observe International Day of Light annually. At the Board’s 200th session the resolution was adopted on September 19, 2016 at the UNESCO HQ in Paris, France. At the 39th session on November 7, 2017, the Board decision was sanctioned by the UNESCO General Conference, and the first International Day of Light was held on May 16, 2018.

Why is International Day of Light celebrated?

The idea behind celebrating the International Day of Light is multifold. It aims at improving the public understanding of light and light-based technologies and how they affect our day-to-day lives. The day also put emphasis on the importance of rudimentary research in the basic science of light. There is a need to invest more for further development of light-based technology and careers should be promoted in this field.

International Day of Light is celebrated to endorse the importance of lighting technology and the need for access to light and energy infrastructure in sustainable development. The day also highlights the relation between light and art and culture.

International Day of Light 2024 Theme

Every year, there is a theme decided for the celebration of International Day of Light. The theme for International Day of Light celebration 2024 is “Light In Our Lives”. The celebration was focused on other United Nations objectives aligning with e objectives of International Day of Light.

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