Latest news with #UNESCOExecutiveBoard
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
International Day of Light 2025: Why is it celebrated on May 16? Know history, theme, and significance
International Day of Light 2025: On May 16, the United Nations celebrates International Day of Light (IDL), an annual global movement to increase awareness of the essential role that light-based technologies play in everyday life and commemorate the anniversary of physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman's first successful laser operation in 1960. The IDL emphasises the role of such technologies in science, technology, art, and culture, thereby contributing to UNESCO's goal of education, equality, and peace. In 2025, it's being celebrated on Friday, May 16, under the theme 'Light, Innovation, Society.' 'The laser is a perfect example of how a scientific discovery can yield revolutionary benefits to society in communications, healthcare and many other fields,' according to the website. The United Nations declared 2015 the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015) to enhance global awareness of the achievements of light research and its uses. The event facilitated connections and collaborations between policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, artists, social companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the general public. Following the success of IYL 2015, Ghana, Mexico, New Zealand and Russia placed a resolution before the UNESCO Executive Board supporting the idea of an International Day of Light, which was adopted on September 19, 2016, at the Board's 200th session at the UNESCO HQ in Paris, France, with the first IDL held on May 16, 2018. Celebration offers various sectors of society worldwide the opportunity to engage in activities that showcase how science, technology, art, and culture can contribute to achieving the goals of UNESCO. These goals include establishing the groundwork for peaceful societies. The event allows people from all walks of life globally to participate in events that demonstrate how science, technology, art, and culture can help UNESCO achieve its objectives. These objectives include establishing the foundation for peaceful civilisations. In essence, the International Day of Light is an opportunity to promote awareness about the critical role that light plays in our lives while also emphasising its importance in changing our world and inspiring future advancements, in addition to, seeking to foster scientific collaboration and investigate the potential of light-based technologies for promoting peace and sustainable development.
Times of Oman
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman urges UNESCO to aid countries in crisis, especially Palestine
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has voiced strong condemnation of the ongoing aggression by Israeli occupation forces against the Gaza Strip, highlighting the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians and essential infrastructure, including educational and relief facilities. This stance was articulated during Oman's participation in the 221st Session of the UNESCO Executive Board, held at the organisation's headquarters in Paris, France, from now until April 17th. Her Excellency Ambassador Amna bint Salem Al Balushi, the Permanent Delegate of Oman to UNESCO, represented Oman at the session. In her address, Ambassador Al Balushi expressed Oman's appreciation for UNESCO's successful implementation of its various programmes and projects despite prevailing global challenges. She urged the organisation to continue providing support and assistance to nations facing crises and emergencies, with a particular focus on Arab countries experiencing critical humanitarian situations, specifically the Gaza Strip in Palestine, as well as Lebanon and Yemen. Furthermore, Ambassador Al Balushi conveyed the Sultanate's condolences to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Kingdom of Thailand following the recent devastating earthquake in Myanmar. She also emphasised the urgency of accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on education, and advocated for the inclusion of a specific goal on culture in the post-2030 agenda. Additionally, she stressed the need for intensified efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote environmental and green education. Ambassador Al Balushi noted that Oman has undertaken practical steps in collaboration with UNESCO's Natural Sciences Sector, including the registration of a geological park and two nature reserves aimed at preserving biodiversity and conserving natural heritage. She also affirmed Oman's appreciation for UNESCO's work in supporting member states in preserving their cultural heritage and fostering peace-building and intercultural dialogue, referencing the "Ship of Oman Youth" initiative for sustainable peace and cultural dialogue. She explained that this initiative, recognised on UNESCO's List of Best Practices, will embark on a journey next May, visiting over 23 cities across Asia, Europe, and Africa, with the aim of promoting the values of coexistence and peace among different peoples.
