International Day of Light 2025

Today, 16th May 2025, marks the 8th edition of UNESCO’s International Day of Light (IDL) – an annual observance raising awareness of the broad societal importance of light science and technology across diverse sectors of the society and in diverse fields such as communications, energy & healthcare, as well as art and culture.  Since its inception in 2018, over 2800 activities and events have taken place in more than 100 countries, reaching and inspiring millions worldwide.

The International Day of Light is administered from the International Basic Science Programme (IBSP) of UNESCO by a Steering Committee that includes representatives from a broad range of international partners – of which VELUX & D/A Daylight and Architecture is proud to be a member of.

Every year, the IDL steering committee welcomes registration of events on the broad theme of light, allowing communities worldwide to participate in activities that help achieve the goals of UNESCO – education, equality, and peace. 

IDL Theme for 2025 – Light, Innovation, Society

The objectives of the International Day of Light are very broad, raising awareness of the applications of light science and technology in society and sustainable development, and promoting science education through the highly-accessible subject of light. Every year, we see a wide range of actions take place that span all of these areas, from high-level panels, to activities in schools, to large light festivals.  From time to time, we also promote a particular focus for the International Day of Light, and this year we will be encouraging activities structured around the theme of Light, Innovation, Society. 

This theme highlights the central role of light-based technologies in advancing science, innovation, and societal well-being. Light drives scientific discoveries in fields like optics and photonics, while innovations in areas such as solar energy and medical imaging shape modern life and sustainable development.

The theme also closely aligns with the United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, as it was the study of light and its properties that played a central role in stimulating the development of quantum mechanics in the early 20th century, and that led to the many technologies that we now use on a daily basis.

Find out more

Website:  www.lightday.org

Resources: https://www.lightday.org/resources

Newsletter: https://www.lightday.org/newsletter-archive

Official hashtag: #LightDay2025

IDL Social Media

Instagram (@internationaldayoflight)
Twitter (@IDLofficial)
Facebook (@InternationalDayOfLight)
Linkedin (@International Day of Light)

Contact
Geethu Paulose
IDL 2025 Communications Coordinator
Email: contact@lightday.org