1. The International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies 2015
Health
Communications
Economy
Environment
Social

2. International Year of Light

3. International Year of Light
Stressing that enhanced global awareness of and increased education in the science and technologies of light are vital for addressing challenges such as sustainable development, energy and community health, as well as for improving the quality of life in both developed and developing countries
Considering that the applications of light science and technology are vital for existing and future advances in medicine, energy, information and communications, fibre optics, astronomy, architecture, archaeology, entertainment, art and culture, and that light-based technologies contribute to the fulfilment of internationally agreed development goals, including by providing access to information and increasing societal health and well-being
Considering also that technology and design can play an important role in the achievement of greater energy efficiency, in particular by limiting energy waste, and in the reduction of light pollution

4. What the UN wants To promote light technologies for improved quality of life in developed and developing world To reduce light pollution and energy waste To promote women’s empowerment in science To promote education amongst young people To promote sustainable development

5. Potential is very broad
Origin of Life
Healthcare
Communications & GPS
Optical Instruments
The Universe

6. Potential is very broad
Cultural Heritage
Education for All
Nature
Light and Art

7. Light pollution, technology
Smart lighting can both highlight culture and reduce light pollution
Optical technologies give new impetus - from art to archaeology

8. Addressing global challenges
Light technologies provide solutions to challenges in energy & climate change

9. Focus on development Internet use by population 75% in Europe
16% in Africa
Study after sunset is not possible in many developing countries

10. Endorsement
“Light gives us life through photosynthesis, lets us see back in time towards that cosmic big bang, and helps us communicate with the other sentient beings here on Earth. The optics and photonics technologies developed for space exploration have rendered many valuable spin-off applications in everyday life.”
John Maher (Nobel Prize 2006)
Civilization would not exist without light; light from our Sun and light from the focused and coherent lasers which now have become an important part of our daily lives. The International Year of Light will surely raise awareness of these powerful discoveries and their present wide-ranging, light-based technologies which are significant contributors to the world market. As importantly, the International Year of Light will inspire future discoveries and applications for one of the most important element of our existence: light.
Ahmed Zewail (Nobel Prize 1999)

11. Science base

12. Partnership Education Linking new communities
Outreach to the public and decision makers
Direct benefit to society in developing and developed countries
High profile events throughout 2015

13. IYL Opening Ceremony
19-20 January 2015, 1500 attendees, global webcast
Nobel laureates
Diplomats
Politicians
Scientists
Industry Leaders
UNESCO Programme Leaders

14. This is like nothing we have ever done before
In 2009, the International Year of Astronomy reached 815 million people in 148 nations
We can do even better in 2015

15. The International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies 2015
We will only get one chance