As the International Day of Light (IDL) on 16 May approaches, it is wonderful to see enthusiasm developing as the IDL Steering Committee and its partners receive enquiries and updates from around the world. Event registration is accelerating, and the IDL Event Calendar has begun to fill up. 

Below are highlights some of the events and initiatives that are championed in the community. If you or your university/company are organizing an event, don’t hesitate to register your plans. Also, take advantage of resources, such as logos, videos, and a speaker list, that you can integrate into your events. If it is the first time you are organizing an activity, the IDL quick guide is a great starting point.

Significantly, the date of 16 May also sees the recognition of another United Nations Observance, the International Day of Living Together in Peace. It is important to note here that the International Day of Light has always encompassed broader societal themes in line with the overarching objective of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to foster worldwide understanding, respect and peace. Light is a powerful symbol of inclusion and hope, and as the world continues to face multiple challenges in the coming months, we encourage all to consider including broader educational themes in your planning, perhaps through speakers from outside the purely scientific field, or through a panel discussion on the role of scientists in engaging with societal concerns.

And in this context, we are delighted to welcome as a new collaborating partner the LIGHT Education Initiative whose focus is on promoting human rights education in schools. This is of course a vital theme for us all, and you can read more about their activities below. 

In 2022, the International Day of Light falls on a Monday, and so we are suggesting a strong global focus during the period of 15-22 May. As you plan, we encourage all to follow and engage with the IDL social media channels, using the hashtags #LightDay2022 and #IDL2022, and through the official channels: @IDLOfficial on Twitter, @DayOfLight2022 on Instagram, and @InternationalDayOfLight on Facebook. 

John Dudley & Joseph Niemela

IDL 2022 Steering Committee Chairs