UN declares 2015 will be International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies
In making the proclamation, the UN recognizes the importance of raising global awareness of how light-based technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health.
The aim is to promote improved public and political understanding of the central role of light in the modern world as well as the problem-solving potential of light technology.
“Photonics provides cost-effective solutions to challenges in so many different areas: energy, sustainable development, climate change, health, communications and agriculture. For example, innovative lighting solutions reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, while minimizing light pollution so that we can all appreciate the beauty of the universe in a dark sky.
IYL 2015 will bring together various stakeholders including UNESCO, scientific societies and unions, educational and research institutions, technology platforms, non-profit organizations, and public and private sector partners.
