UNESCO Director-General Highlights the Role of Optical Sciences in Sustainable Development and Bridging the Global Scientific Divide on the International Day of Light

In his message, Dr. Khaled El-Enany noted that light-based sciences play a pivotal role in understanding the world and addressing many of the challenges facing societies today. He stated that optical technologies make significant contributions to supporting research, innovation and public policymaking in fields such as medicine, energy, agriculture, environmental monitoring and communications, while also opening up new horizons in quantum science and technology.

Light, Science and Society: The Theme of the International Day of Light 2026

Referring to the selection of “Light, Science and Society: Advancing Innovation and Impact” as the theme of the International Day of Light 2026, the UNESCO Director-General said that it reflects the integrated role of light-based sciences in strengthening research systems, innovation policies and inclusive scientific cooperation.

He also warned that a profound gap persists in countries’ and scientific institutions’ access to advanced infrastructure, skills and research opportunities. This disparity is particularly pronounced in developing countries and can pose a major obstacle to ensuring equitable access to scientific advances.

Global Quantum Initiative to Strengthen Scientific Cooperation

In his message, UNESCO highlighted the achievements of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, noting that the initiative had mobilized more than one million people across over 80 countries while also bringing existing inequalities in access to scientific infrastructure and opportunities to the fore.

Against this backdrop, UNESCO announced the launch of the Global Quantum Initiative 2026–2028, a program designed to strengthen education, broaden inclusive access to scientific knowledge and infrastructure, and expand international cooperation in quantum governance.

Exploring the Establishment of an African Beamline at SESAME

The UNESCO Director-General also highlighted the Organization’s efforts to expand access to major research infrastructure in underserved regions. He announced that a specialized working group was examining the possibility of establishing an African beamline at the International Centre for Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME).

According to him, the initiative aims to allocate experimental beamtime to African scientists and strengthen the synchrotron accelerator user community across the African continent.

UNESCO Reaffirms Its Commitment to Open and Collaborative Science

In closing, UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to open, collaborative science and equitable access to knowledge and innovation. The ultimate goal of this approach, it emphasized, is to ensure that all societies benefit from scientific opportunities and that everyone can contribute to building a more sustainable and peaceful future.