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The world Celebrates the Second International Day of Light on 16 May 2019
May 16th 2019 marks the global celebration of the second edition of the International Day of Light. The International Day of Light is an official observance of UNESCO that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. The broad theme of light allows 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 – education, equality, and peace.
As the Director General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay states in a special message for the International Day of Light 2019: “All its natural benefits and its scientific and technological applications make light an essential part of the daily life of our societies; these benefits and applications make light an important issue for the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
Over 300 events are already registered to take place in 60 countries worldwide, bringing together an international community of scientists, students and the public. A special focus of celebrations on 16 May will be the Illuminating Education conference held at the UNESCO Category 1 Institute ICTP in Trieste. Presentations will cover a wide range of topics, from leading edge inspiring science to discussions of science education, issues of diversity and gender equality, and practical career advice.
A full list of planned events worldwide can be accessed on the official Events Page.
For further information, please contact the International Day of Light secretariat:
IDL 2018 Steering Committee Chair
UNESCO-ICTP Category 1 Institute
IDL Secretariat & Communications Officer