About:

1. The International Day of Light (IDL) was observed on May 16 by UNESCO.
2. The year 2020 marks the global celebration of third International Day of Light  after its inauguration in 2018.
3. IDL It is an annual, global initiative which provides a focal point for continued appreciation of light. It calls to harness potential of scientific cooperation and strengthen it so as to foster peace and sustainable development. The day marks the anniversary of first successful operation of laser by engineer and physicist Theodore Maiman on 16 May 1960.

Background:

1. Following a highly successful International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies in 2015, which saw more than 13,000 activities implemented in 147 countries, the Executive Board of UNESCO, at its 200th session (200 EX/Decision 27), established 16 May of every year to be observed ass International Day of Light.
2. Thus the first IDL was celebrated at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 16 May, 2018.

Objective:

It aims to raise awareness about critical role played by all the light-based technologies in the lives of people all around the world in areas of education, art and culture sustainable development, science and technology and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications and energy.