International Day of Light: Why the World Celebrates Every May 16

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Light is everywhere. It helps us see the world, grow our food, and stay safe at night. Without light, life on Earth would not be possible. Over the centuries, humans have learned to use light in powerful ways — from simple candles to advanced lasers and medical tools. The International Day of Light is a global celebration that honors this important part of our lives.

Every year on May 16, people around the world take a moment to think about the role light plays in science, art, health, and daily life. The International Day of Light brings together schools, research centers, governments, and communities to share knowledge and work toward a better future. It is a day that connects people across different countries and cultures through one simple but powerful thing: light.

In this article, we will learn more about the International Day of Light. We will also talk about why it matters and the focus on for the 2026. We gathered the information from various sources, Friday (15/5/2026).

The International Day of Light is an annual event celebrated every May 16. It was created by UNESCO, the United Nations agency for education, science, and culture. The day was first celebrated in 2018, after the UNESCO General Conference approved the idea in November 2017. It grew out of the success of the International Year of Light in 2015, which reached over 100 million people in 147 countries.

May 16 was chosen for a special reason. On that date in 1960, a physicist and engineer named Theodore Maiman successfully operated the first laser. The laser is one of the most important inventions in modern history. It is used in medicine, communication, manufacturing, and many other areas. The International Day of Light uses this anniversary as a starting point to explore all the ways light shapes our world.

The day is not only about science. It also celebrates art, culture, and education. Light festivals, public talks, school activities, and online events take place around the world. The International Day of Light is open to everyone, from scientists and students to artists and everyday people who simply want to learn more about the world they live in.

Light touches nearly every part of modern life. The International Day of Light gives the world a chance to think carefully about how light-based technologies help us and how we can use them better. Here are some of the key reasons this day is important.

- It Promotes Scientific Cooperation: Science works best when countries and researchers share their knowledge. The International Day of Light encourages scientists, governments, and organizations to collaborate across borders. This kind of cooperation leads to faster discoveries and better solutions for global challenges.

- It Highlights the Role of Light in Health and Medicine: Light-based tools such as X-ray machines, laser surgery equipment, and microscopes are used in hospitals every day. These technologies help doctors see inside the body, treat diseases, and save lives. Raising awareness about these tools encourages more investment in medical research.

- It Supports Sustainable Development: Lighting accounts for nearly 15% of global electricity use. By improving lighting technology, such as through LED systems and solar-powered lights, we can reduce energy waste and lower carbon emissions. The International Day of Light reminds us that small changes in lighting can have a big impact on the environment.

- It Addresses Inequality in Access to Light: Many communities around the world still lack reliable access to electricity and light. The International Day of Light raises awareness about this issue and pushes for solutions that bring clean, affordable light to more people. Access to light is closely connected to education, safety, and economic opportunity.

- It Connects Science with Culture and Art: Light is not only a tool. It is also a source of inspiration. Across the world, festivals of light, from Diwali in India to the Festival of Lights in Lyon, France, show how deeply light is woven into human culture. The International Day of Light celebrates this connection between technology and creativity.

- It Encourages Young People to Explore Science: One major goal of the day is to inspire students, especially in developing countries, to study science and engineering. Events like workshops, school programs, and public demonstrations help young people see that careers in science can be exciting and meaningful.

The 2026 edition of the International Day of Light focuses on the theme "Light, Science and Society: Advancing Innovation and Impact." This theme looks at how advanced light sources, such as synchrotron facilities, are helping scientists make discoveries in health, agriculture, energy, and environmental research. It also highlights how these tools support international cooperation and build scientific capacity in regions that need it most.

To mark the occasion, UNESCO organized a virtual webinar on May 13, 2026, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and researchers from around the world. The event served as a space for global conversation and knowledge-sharing. Key topics included how light-based research infrastructures can support more inclusive scientific development, how they can drive innovation, and what kind of social and economic benefits they can bring to communities around the world.