International Day of Light : Promote the economic significance of light-based technologies, such as photonics

International Day of Light is a global initiative led by UNESCO that emphasizes the crucial role of light in various fields such as science, culture, art, education, and sustainable development. This day is celebrated every year on May 16.

According to UNESCO, "The International Day of Light serves as a global platform that highlights the ongoing appreciation of light and its significance in science, culture, art, education, and sustainable development, as well as in diverse areas like medicine, communications, and energy. The overarching theme of light encourages various sectors of society around the world to engage in activities that showcase how science, technology, art, and culture can contribute to achieving UNESCO's goals of education, equality, and peace." They also stress the need to promote the economic significance of light-based technologies, such as Photonics.

It's important to note that Photonics is the branch of physical science that deals with the generation, control, and manipulation of light (photons). It serves as the optical equivalent of electronics and supports essential modern technologies like telecommunications, medical imaging, and sensors. Photonics also involves the use of lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for bending, switching, or amplifying light through photonic integrated circuits (PICs), lenses, and optical fibers, as well as employing photodetectors and sensors (like those in smartphone cameras and LiDAR) to transform light back into electrical signals.