The International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies 2015

1. The International Year of Lightand Light-based Technologies2015 Health Communications Economy Environment Social

2. International Year of Light

3. Stressingthat 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 Consideringthat 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 International Year of Light

4. What the UN wantsTo promote light technologies for improved qualityof life in developed and developing world To reduce light pollution and energy wasteTo promote women’s empowerment in scienceTo promote education amongst young peopleTo promote sustainable development

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

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

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

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

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

10. “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) Endorsement

11. Science base

12. 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 Partnership

13. 19-20 January 2015, 1500 attendees, global webcast IYL Opening Ceremony 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 Lightand Light-based Technologies2015 We will only get one chance