The “International Day of Light” is a worldwide UNESCO initiative that aims to focus on the appreciation of light and its role in science, culture and art, education and sustainable development.
Every year on May 16, the anniversary of the first successful use of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman, attention is focused on research and science related to light and light-based technologies.
This day is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and use its potential to promote peace and sustainable development.
The unifying theme of light will enable many different sectors of our society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrate how science, technology, art and culture can contribute to achieving UNESCO's goals of education, equality and peace.
