International Day of Light, observed annually on May 16, is an international day dedicated to highlighting the importance of light in science, technology, culture and education, as well as raising awareness about its impact. The day coincides with the anniversary of physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman’s successful operation of the first laser in 1960. UNESCO uses the occasion of the International Day of Light to promote scientific collaboration and encourage the use of light-based technologies for societal benefit.

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History

In 2012, during a UNESCO meeting held in Paris, a proposal was made to raise awareness about light and lighting. This proposal was adopted at the United Nations meeting in 2013, and 2015 was declared the “International Year of Light.” The International Year of Light aimed to emphasize the importance of light and light-based technologies in science, technology, culture and education and to bring together stakeholders.

Following the International Year of Light, the idea of the International Day of Light was established to continuously highlight the role of light. In 2017, UNESCO’s 39th meeting in Paris decided that May 16 would be celebrated annually as the International Day of Light. The first official observance took place on May 16, 2018, in commemoration of the day Theodore Maiman fired the first laser.

Purpose

The main objective of the International Day of Light is to draw attention to the importance of light and light-based technologies in science, technology, culture and education. The day aims to strengthen scientific collaboration, support global research and raise awareness about light and lighting in society. It also seeks to make the role of light visible in education, culture, and knowledge sharing.

Global Events

The International Day of Light is celebrated worldwide through various events organized by scientific, cultural and educational institutions. UNESCO uses the day to promote scientific cooperation, increase information sharing, and encourage the societal use of light-based technologies. The observance also highlights the multifaceted significance of light, including its technological, physical, social and artistic applications.

Events in Türkiye

In Türkiye, the Turkish National Committee for Lighting (ATMK), one of the official representatives of the International Day of Light, has been organizing awareness-raising activities about light usage since 2018. During the 2015 International Year of Light, ATMK, in collaboration with the Turkish Federation of Photographic Art (TFSF), held a National Photography Competition themed “Light-People-Space.” These competitions attracted participants from various professional backgrounds and university students, highlighting the influence of light in art and culture.