International Tea Day 2026; May 21st.

FORUM:"Tea for Wellness" International Tea Day 2026. This year's theme highlights the holistic benefits of tea—from its antioxidant and health-promoting properties to its role in fostering mindfulness, relaxation, and community connection. Across cultures, tea has long been associated with balance, hospitality, and moments of pause in otherwise busy lives. Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and holds deep cultural, economic, and social significance across continents. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes its role in rural development, poverty alleviation, and sustainable livelihoods. Beyond its economic importance, tea is increasingly appreciated for its contribution to physical, mental, and social well-being. Tea cultures across regions reflect diverse approaches to wellness and well-being. In India, the ubiquitous ‘masala chai’ is well known but tea drinking culture is also linked with traditional systems such as Ayurveda, where herbal infusions and spiced teas are valued for their preventive and restorative health benefits. In Japan, green tea traditions, including the tea ceremony, emphasize mindfulness, balance, and mental clarity. In South East Asia, tea is integral to daily life, with green and herbal infusions valued for digestion, longevity, and social connection. In Africa, tea production is complemented by traditional herbal infusions rooted in indigenous knowledge systems promoting holistic health. In Europe, a culture of herbal infusions, or tisanes, highlights relaxation and digestive wellness. In South America, yerba mate and herbal beverages play a central role in fostering energy, community bonding, and overall well-being. This global diversity underscores tea’s unique role at the intersection of health, culture, and sustainable livelihoods. Guiding Questions 1. How can tea and tea-based traditions contribute to promoting physical, mental, and social well-being in contemporary societies? 2. What role can sustainable tea production play in advancing the 2030 Agenda, particularly in supporting livelihoods and empowering smallholder farmers and women? 3. How can traditional knowledge systems associated with tea be preserved and integrated with modern wellness practices? 4. What opportunities exist for enhancing international cooperation in promoting wellness-oriented tea products and value chains? 5. How can tea serve as a medium for fostering cultural exchange, dialogue, and community connection in an increasingly fast-paced world? Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #TeaforWellness,  #InternationalTeaDay, #tea, #21May, #tealovers, #teaconsumers, #teadrinkers, #Farmedwithcare.

EVENT: On May 21st,  2026,  from3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., in the Conference Room 8 at the United Nations Headquarters will be held a high-level event to mark the International Tea Day 2026. The event seeks to provide a platform for exchanging perspectives on the role of tea in advancing holistic well-being, while also highlighting its contribution to sustainable development, cultural heritage, and inclusive economic growth. It aims to foster a cross-regional dialogue among Member States on how traditional knowledge systems and contemporary approaches can be leveraged to promote wellness through tea. The observance will bring together Member States, UN officials, experts, and stakeholders for a moderated discussion on tea’s role in promoting well-being. The event will also provide an opportunity for informal exchange and cultural appreciation of diverse tea traditions.

 Get Concept Note, the Agenda Programme and watch the livestream!.

LIVESTREAM: Watch the commemoration of the International Tea Day 2026!

High-level Events

From Rome to Réunion Island, from livestreamed tea tastings in Canada to diplomatic programs at the United Nations in New York, International Tea Day 2026 reflects tea’s growing importance as both a cultural and economic force. Below is a recap of the major announced and anticipated International Tea Day activities taking place May 19–28, 2026. The FAO’s annual flagship observance remains the anchor event for International Tea Day worldwide. Policymakers, tea boards, researchers, development agencies, exporters, and sustainability advocates are expected to gather in Rome to discuss tea’s role in rural livelihoods, biodiversity preservation, ethical sourcing, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The FAO’s companion “Farmed With Care” campaign continues throughout the week, highlighting tea producers and sustainability initiatives through digital storytelling and social media outreach, emphasizing environmental stewardship and producer welfare.

Time: Expected 9:30 AM–4:00 PM CEST
URL: FAO International Tea Day
United Nations International Tea Day Programs
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Location: New York, USA
Venue: United Nations Headquarters
Organizer: United Nations member missions and tea-producing countries

Tea-producing nations continue using International Tea Day as a platform for diplomatic and cultural engagement at the United Nations. India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations is expected to once again play a leading role with programming centered on tea’s contribution to livelihoods, women’s employment, sustainable agriculture, and international trade. The annual UN observances increasingly position tea as both an agricultural commodity and an instrument of cultural diplomacy and economic development.

Format: In-person and webcast programming
URL: United Nations International Tea Day

Réunion is a territory in the heart of the Indian Ocean, a volcanic island with varied altitudes
and diverse climates, located between Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. It is a land shaped by the history of plants and the host of the International Tea Symposium 2026. A coherent place to bring together the great nations carrying cultural and agricultural traditions linked to tea.

International Tea Symposium — Réunion Island
May 19–21, 2026

Location: Réunion Island, France
Format: Multi-day symposium with livestream elements
Official Program | Speakers

One of the most ambitious observances this year is the International Tea Symposium on Réunion Island, held under the High Patronage of Emmanuel Macron, President of France — an indication that tea diplomacy and tea tourism are gaining higher-level political visibility. .8The symposium brings together tea historians, tourism officials, researchers, producers, cultural organizations, and tea professionals from across the Indian Ocean region and beyond. Discussions are expected to focus on tea heritage, sustainable tourism, island agriculture, cultural preservation, and regional economic development tied to tea. The gathering reflects growing international interest in tea as a driver of experiential tourism and cultural exchange. The Symposium forms part of a broader commitment to the recognition and promotion of living cultural heritage related to tea and the territories in which it is cultivated.

Venue: Regional conference and cultural facilities across Réunion Island
Format: In-person and livestreamed sessions

Website: https://www.internationalteasymposium.org/
Travel Virtually Around the Globe With Tea Event Post

Sofa Summit 2026 — Global Tea Livestream
Thursday, May 21, 2026

Location: Online
Host: Shabnam Weber
Organizer: Tea and Herbal Association of Canada

One of the tea industry’s most accessible annual gatherings returns online with the Sofa Summit, hosted by Shabnam Weber, president of the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada. The livestreamed event connects tea professionals and consumers worldwide through interviews, tea tastings, discussions on wellness and sustainability, and conversations with tea experts across multiple tea origins. The digital-first format enables global participation and reflects how online tea communities continue to expand beyond traditional trade boundaries.

Format: Livestream
Expected Time: 8 am-7 pm EST | Full-day rolling sessions
URL: Tea and Herbal Association of Canada

Tea for Better Lives Programs
May 18-24, 2026
Location: Multiple tea-producing countries
Organizer: National tea boards, producer associations, NGOs, tourism agencies

Throughout International Tea Day week, producing countries across Asia and Africa are expected to organize tea tastings, sustainability seminars, factory tours, tea garden visits, school programs, retailer activations, and public awareness campaigns under themes such as “Tea for Better Lives.” Participating countries traditionally include India, China, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Japan, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Uganda. These observances increasingly emphasize: regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, ethical sourcing tea tourism, cultural heritage, premium tea education, producer livelihoods. The events reflect how governments and tea boards are increasingly viewing tea culture as a strategic tool for market development.

Format: Regional and country-wide programming
URL: FAO International Tea Day

UNESCO-Linked Tea Heritage Activities
May 18-24, 2026
Location: Global cultural institutions and tea centers

Museums, universities, tea schools, tea houses, and cultural institutions are expected to align this year’s observance with UNESCO-recognized tea traditions, including Chinese tea processing techniques and the Japanese tea ceremony. Programs include: tea ceremonies, heritage exhibitions, lectures and demonstrations, tea tourism initiatives, intergenerational tea education, cultural preservation activities. These observances continue positioning tea not simply as a beverage but as an intangible cultural heritage worthy of preservation and international recognition.

URL: UNESCO Tea Heritage Activities.
Intangible Cultural Heritage: Tea.
GIAHS: Fuding White Tea.

World Tea Retail and Tea House Celebrations.
May 18-24, 2026
Location: Global retail and hospitality venues

Independent tea houses, specialty tea retailers, cafés, tea schools, and hospitality venues worldwide are expected to host:guided tastings; matcha workshops; gongfu tea sessions; afternoon tea events; tea-and-food pairings; tea wellness programs; community tea gatherings. Post-pandemic demand for experiential gatherings continues fueling participation in tea-centered cultural events, particularly among younger consumers seeking authenticity, wellness, and meaningful social experiences. Together, these events reflect how International Tea Day is evolving beyond symbolic recognition into a coordinated week of consumer engagement, sustainability messaging, and origin storytelling. Increasingly, governments, trade groups, and tea brands view the observance as an opportunity to expand tea’s cultural relevance and premium positioning in the market. As producing countries compete for tourism, premiumization, and consumer mindshare, International Tea Day is increasingly functioning as a soft-power and market-development platform for the global tea sector. Tea Biz Blog | Podcast will continue tracking International Tea Day activities throughout the week ahead, including livestreams, symposiums, tea tourism initiatives, sustainability campaigns, and regional celebrations across the global tea industry. Let us know if you would like us to include any regional or national activities we may have missed. Write dan.bolton@teajourney.pub

Visit Tea Biz Blog | Podcast for schedules, venues, livestreams, and links to participate.
Listen: Tea Biz Podcast.
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COMMUNUCATION MATERIALS: Visit the Trello: Global Tea Campaign board.

World Bee Day 2026; May 20th.

FORUM: "Bee together for people and the planet: A partnership that sustains us all." World Bee Day 2026. For millennia, bees and people have shared a close and evolving connection, shaped by the ways communities across the world have relied on bees for food and livelihoods, with bees often becoming part of their cultural identity. From honey hunting to a large variety of beekeeping systems, this relationship has continually adapted to different environments, technologies, and socio-cultural needs. The observance of the World Bee Day 2026 focuses on how humans and bees have been working together to nourish and sustain people and the environment. It will highlight the evolution of beekeeping across diverse cultures and landscapes over thousands of years, while promoting innovative approaches that improve bee production and health, and support the livelihoods of beekeepers, including women and youth. It will also emphasize how both traditional knowledge and modern technologies can contribute to sustainable beekeeping, and how partnerships and inclusive approaches can help secure a sustainable future for both pollinators and people, while advancing the transformation of agrifood systems. This theme aligns closely with the International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists 2026 and the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, offering valuable opportunities to reflect on the role of beekeeping in rural and pastoral livelihoods and its contribution to women’s empowerment. Follow the conversations with the hashtags; #SustainableBeekeeping, #Pollination, #savethebees, #worldbeeday, #beekeepers, #20May.

 EVENTS: On May 20th, the Celebration of the World Bee Day 2026 at FAO HQ will be held.

By observing World Bee Day each year, we can raise awareness on the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy, and on the many challenges they face today. 
The date for this observance was chosen as it was the day Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern apiculture, was born. Janša came from a family of beekeepers in Slovenia, where beekeeping is an important agricultural activity with a long-standing tradition. Today bees, pollinators, and many other insects are declining in abundance. This day provides an opportunity for all of us – whether we work for governments, organizations or civil society or are concerned citizens – to promote actions that will protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats, improve their abundance and diversity, and support the sustainable development of beekeeping. Register to participate!

From 20 to 21 May | Maribor, Slovenia - Third International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination.

 On May 27th | 11:30-13:00 | Geneva, Switzerland.  World Bee Day 2026: Bee Together for People and the Planet.

18 May | Rome, Italy on  Apilogo - art installation dedicated to wild bees and their conservation


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Events: Hundreds of activities and events are being organized worldwide to promote the World Bee Day. Feature your event on the interactive map.

Watch: Look and share the #WorldBeeDay video on social media and among your networks.

PUBLICATION: Explore the Bee together for people and the planet - Get involved guide!

Visual identity: Bees are essential for pollination, biodiversity, and a sustainable future. Let’s come together to: Preserve Biodiversity, Protect Bees and Promote Sustainability.

Social Media Trello board: Inform, educate and engage audiences with real facts. Join the campaign by sharing our free material on digital channels.

STORIES: Building climate resilience through people, pollinators and ecosystems: On World Bee Day, the Food Security and Agriculture: Accelerating Adaptation (SAGA 2) project has a story to tell!

LIVESTREAM: Celebration held by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) at the SMVEC. In honoring the tiny pollinators that make a huge impact on our planet, this special celebration  organized by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), the Ministry of MSME, and the Government of India, in collaboration with leading academic and innovation institutions. The Expert talks on beekeeping & biodiversity; Awareness on sustainable ecosystems following by Live sessions with researchers, innovators & entrepreneurs on the Importance of honey bees in agriculture and food security.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026; May 17th.

FORUM: "Digital lifelines – Strengthening resilience in a connected world." World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026. This year's initiative, driven by ITU, WTSID highlights the need for robust, secure, and sustainable digital infrastructure, encouraging global action to protect essential communication networks and bridge the digital divide.This year long campaign explores the often invisible digital systems that keep everyday life running, especially when communities face disruption or crisis. In a world that increasingly depends on uninterrupted connectivity, the resilience of our digital networks is essential. Digital lifelines – terrestrial networks, submarine cables, satellites, and data systems – form the backbone of our communities and economies. A single cable break, data center outage, or satellite failure can disrupt vital services, from health and education to finance and disaster response. In a time of escalating natural hazards and rising dependence on technology, building resilient digital infrastructure is critical to the stability of systems and growth for all. This is especially true for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where reliable connectivity underpins recovery from climate impacts and supports growth for all. Share your accomplishments, national visions and strategies, commitments and initiatives on your social media accounts using the hashtags #DigitalLifelines, #DigitalInclusion, #EveryoneIncluded, #wtisd, #17May, #InformationSocietyDay, #TelecommunicationDay.

EVENTS: On May 17th, 2026; a virtual event will be held to World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026. This event calls on governments, industry, and communities to strengthen the digital lifelines that keep the world running. Join us in designing the networks and systems that can withstand shocks and recover quickly, ensuring that no one is cut off and left offline when it matters most. Register to participate!

On 19 May 2026, from 15:00 – 16:30 CEST, Join the ITU Space Connect webinar “Beyond the Horizon: Framing the Future of Space Communications” for further insights on ITU spectrum
coordination. Registration and Join live webcast

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026; May 17th.

On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, the International Telecommunication Union and the world recognize digital technologies as lifelines – connecting people to safety, services and one another.

When disaster strikes, networks carry early warnings, enable first responders, and keep clinics, classrooms and public services up and running.

But lifelines must be trusted, secure and accessible to all. Too many communities remain offline. Critical systems are vulnerable. Disinformation and cyberthreats are growing. And as climate emergencies intensify and the AI divide widens, the cost of inaction falls hardest on those already left behind.

We must invest in connectivity – from seabed cables to satellites, from local access to open standards and digital skills. We must implement the Global Digital Compact, advance rights-based AI governance and strengthen cooperation across governments, industry and civil society.

Digital infrastructure is an essential public good, so let us build it to withstand the crises ahead. When digital lifelines are universal and safe, every community can prepare, respond and recover.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement of the ITU Director-General on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026; May 17th.

Today, more people are connected than at any point in human history. Billions of us rely on digital technologies to do the things that matter most. From accessing health care to running a business to learning, communicating with our loved ones and calling for help in a crisis, connectivity has become as crucial to modern life as roads and electricity. And in many parts of the world, digital infrastructure has transformed economies and communities within a generation. But what happens when those networks and services fail? Think of the submarine cables that extend more than 1.7 million kilometers around the globe and they carry 99% of international data traffic. A single earthquake can sever multiple cables at once, cutting entire regions off from the world for weeks. Likewise, a major solar storm can disrupt power grids, satellite navigation networks, and even the global financial system that we rely on. Very often, these critical digital risks transcend borders. And when connectivity fails, the consequences fall hardest on those who can least afford them. And that's why resilience must be built into digital infrastructure from the very beginning and it must be built collectively with the people at the core through international standards, capacity building and global cooperation. This world telecommunication and information society day. Join the ITU in strengthening the digital lifelines that keep our world meaningfully and reliably connected. Together, we can build a more resilient digital future for everyone, everywhere.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General.

ACTIVITIES: Several events on digital lifelines will be held , such as local community roundtables and exhibitions bringing the vital importance of resilient digital lifelines to professional and public diplomacy audiences whose lives run on them. 

CAMPAIGN: Join the advocacy for resilient digital infrastructure!

What if the digital systems you count on were resilient by design?

Explore how the world’s essential connections stay strong—from clear navigation signals and lifesaving alerts to resilient undersea data routes—and the role ITU plays behind the scenes to make it happen.

This WTISD What if…? series reveals the often‑hidden systems that keep people safe, informed, and connected, and highlights the global cooperation that makes these digital lifelines possible.

What if a simple message on your phone could save your life?

ITU helps countries strengthen mobile-based early warning systems to reach at-risk communities fast, reliably and at scale when disasters strike.Explore the Early Warnings for All initiative

What if navigation signals remained strong and reliable for generations?Every day, satellite and terrestrial navigation systems guide travel on land, at sea, and in the air. ITU coordinates radio frequencies, ensuring these essential signals remain safe and interference-free. Discover how satellite spectrum and orbits are coordinated

What if distress signals at sea were always received?Maritime safety relies on dependable communications. ITU coordinates the spectrum use, identification resources and standards for the systems behind global distress signals.Explore how maritime distress systems work

What if no one lost connection when forced to flee?Through the Connectivity for Refugees initiative, ITU and partners are advancing meaningful, affordable connectivity, aiming to reach 20 million displaced people and host communities by 2030.Learn how connectivity supports displaced communities.

What if digital use didn’t increase our environmental footprint?

ITU sets global standards for energy efficient, low-carbon digital technologies, and tracks ICT sector emissions and e-waste through the Greening Digital Companies Report and the Global E-waste Monitor. Join the partnership for Green Digital Action

What if everyone had the skills to keep digital systems running?

Every year, the ITU Academy trains 5,000+ learners worldwide in topics such as digital inclusion, connectivity, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, policy leadership and more. Take a course with ITU Academy!

What if global data traffic across oceans was never interrupted?

ITU co-convened the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience to safeguard undersea cables carrying over 99% of intercontinental data. Explore global efforts to strengthen submarine cable resilience!

What if AI helped improve disaster preparedness?

ITU and partners advance the use of AI for disaster preparedness through the Early Warning Connectivity Map, identifying where and how many people can be reached via digital networks. Learn how to Attend the AI for Good Global Summit!

What if everyone had access to resilient digital infrastructure?

ITU supports infrastructure mapping, planning, and analysis to help countries identify connectivity gaps and build inclusive, resilient networks. Explore global connectivity infrastructure maps!

What if every digital network was trusted and secure?

ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index benchmarks cybersecurity commitments across all ITU Member States, and ITU Global CyberDrills engage incident response teams in live cyber-incident simulations. Discover how countries strengthen cybersecurity with ITU

What if connectivity reached everyone, everywhere?

Today, 2.2 billion people remain unconnected. Partner2Connect mobilizes new resources, partnerships, and commitments to advance universal connectivity. Make a pledge with Partner2Connect!

Every day, invisible digital systems help keep the world running. They warn communities when disasters approach. Guide navigation across land, sea and air. Carry the data that connects continents. These systems form the digital lifelines that underpin modern life. Explore how they work, why they matter, and how global cooperation helps keep them strong.  Digital resilience depends on many systems working together. But which one matters most from your perspective? Vote here and tell us why.

POLL: Share your perspective – take part in this poll!

Which digital lifeline matters most to you?

1. Early warning systems
2. Navigation signals
3. Maritime distress and safety
4. Connectivity for displaced people
5. Green digital technologies
6. Digital skills
7. Submarine cable resilience
8. AI for disaster preparedness
9. Resilient national infrastructure
10. Trusted and secure networks
11. Universal connectivity

Why does this digital lifeline matter most to you?

PUBLICATION: A new report by ITU and UNDRR mapping the hidden fragility of our interconnected digital world and the priorities needed to build resilience. Read the full report!

EDITORIAL: 

1. How digital lifelines keep our life running from UN Today
2. Digital resilience starts with radio-frequency spectrum from the ITU

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Get Access to materials such as posters, backgrounds, and social media cards. To Become a partner by providing financial or in-kind support. Check out opportunities!

International Day of Living Together in Peace 2026; May 16th.

FORUM: "Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion, and Solidarity". International Day of Living Together in Peace 2026. The Day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together in order to build a sustainable peace, solidarity, harmony and reconciliation. Let's focus on the international efforts to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #LivingTogetherinPeaceDay; #16May, #reconciliation, #sustainablepeace, #unitedindiversity, #peacefulcoexistence,

EVENT: On May 16th, a the Member States, political and faith leaders, religious communities and other relevant actors will held a virtual event to observe the day. Register to participate!

International Day of Light 2026; May 16th.

FORUM: ''Light for a sustainable future.'' International Day of Light 2026. Today, we will commemorate the anniversary of physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman's first successful operation of the laser in 1960. The celebration provides also an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. The broad theme of light will allow many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrates how science, technology, art and culture can help achieve the goals of UNESCO – education, equality, and peace. The major goals are to Improve the public understanding of how light and light-based technologies touch the daily lives of everybody, and are central to the future development of the global society; To Build worldwide educational capacity through activities targeted on science for young people, addressing issues of gender balance, and focusing especially on developing countries and emerging economies; To Highlight and explain the intimate link between light and art and culture, enhancing the role of optical technology to preserve cultural heritage; To Enhance international cooperation by acting as a central information resource for activities coordinated by learned societies, NGOs, government agencies, educational establishments, industry, and other partners; To Emphasize the importance of basic research in the fundamental science of light, the need for investment in light-based technology to develop new applications, and the global necessity to promote careers in science and engineering in these fields. To Promote the importance of lighting technology and the need for access to light and energy infrastructure in sustainable development, and for improving quality of life in the developing world; and To Raise awareness that technologies 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, which is key to the preservation of dark skies. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #lightday2026, #Photonics, #LightbasedTechnologies, #Light, #16May, #InternationalDayofLight.

EVENTS: On May 16th, we will celebrate the ninth celebration of the UNESCO International Day of Light 2026, one of the most anticipated science events on the global calendar of United Nations observances. Since its inception in 2018, over 3200 activities and events have taken place in more than 100 countries, reaching and inspiring millions worldwide. We would like to thank you all for the hard work that has made the International Day of Light such a success. As you will see from our global calendar, activities are being organised worldwide for 2026, and we look forward to some fantastic celebrations. Indeed, some have already taken place! One of the unique features of the International Day of Light is its ability to bring together diverse communities, and this is reflected in the tremendous range of topics that will be celebrated, including science and technology, lighting and lighting quality, astronomy, education, and more! In addition, 16 May is also the United Nations International Day of Living Together in Peace, and we encourage organisers of events on 16 May to consider including broader discussions of this theme as well, perhaps linking with the cultural association of light as a symbol of inclusion and hope. If you haven’t planned any activities yet, remember that the International Day of Light celebrations do not all need to take place on 16 May itself. While many will naturally be organised around that date and during the week that follows, events at any time of the year can receive an association with the International Day of Light. Please register your events as soon as you can, and remember that we have simplified our registration form in case you are organising multiple events. As usual, the website contains useful information about all aspects of event organisation. Also, feel free to review past events for inspiration as well. Many people find this extremely useful as a way to get started. We appreciate just how much work and commitment go into organising such events, so don't hesitate to let us know if you wish us to highlight your plans via our newsletter. This can be a great way to give you some well-deserved recognition! And if you may be involved in organising a technical or science-themed conference this year, why not think about including a special session related to outreach, education, or training? Our experience is that such sessions are very enthusiastically attended and provide a great forum for meeting new collaborators. And once again, we acknowledge the continued commitment and support from the Steering Committee and other partners. Information about our partnership and how to get involved and how to Register to participate!

CIE Webinar for the International Day of Light.

The CIE invites you to join its upcoming special webinar entitled Lighting the Way: Finding Balance Between Safety, Beauty, and the Night Sky on the topic of light pollution, in celebration of the International Day of Light 2026 (16 May). The webinar will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 15:00 - 16:30 CEST.  This webinar will bring together various perspectives on current practice and emerging priorities in light pollution, highlighting developments in policy, regulation, scientific research, and municipal and regional initiatives. The session will provide an opportunity to hear different viewpoints, learn what is happening in practice, and reflect on how these developments relate to existing CIE work and relevant CIE publications. It will also facilitate exchange between experts to support CIE’s guidance, recommendations, and potential future publications, while identifying topics and gaps that may benefit from further attention in current and future CIE activities. By linking real-world practice with CIE outputs, the session aims to inform and guide ongoing and future CIE work in this area. CIE President Dr. Jennifer Veitch will open the webinar with an introduction to CIE's work on this topic. This will be followed by contributions from invited experts, and the webinar will conclude with a 30-minute discussion and Q&A session joined by outdoor lighting expert(s) from CIE Division 4: Transportation and Exterior Applications. The webinar will feature CIE experts Prof. Matej Kobav (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; CIE NC Slovenia), presenting Slovenia’s light pollution regulation and its effects in practice; Prof. Carolin Liedtke (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences – HAW Hamburg, Germany; CIE NC Germany), presenting the DARKER SKY project within the EU Interreg North Sea Region Programme; as well as updates from the Horizon Europe project PLAN-B, which investigates light pollution and its effects on terrestrial biodiversity, jointly presented by project experts Prof. Karolina Zielińska-Dąbkowska (Gdansk University of Technology, Poland) and Prof. Mike Wood (University of Salford, UK). The perspectives presented will also be reflected on by Prof. Steve Fotios (Associate Director of CIE Division 4), opening the discussion for audience interaction.

This webinar is part of the CIE project “Understanding Science – Understanding Light”, which aims to make scientific knowledge on light accessible and relevant to the public. Learn more about the speakers and the topics they will present here. REGISTER HERE or Contact Seda Gasparyan; Communications Officer, International Commission on Illumination; Email: seda.gasparyan@cie.co.at

International Day of Light at the Multimedia University of Kenya

The Multimedia University of Kenya Optical Society will be holding a celebration of the International Day of Light (IDL) on 29th May 2026. Building on the tremendous success of their event for IDL 2025 - which drew 320 attendees, 4 companies, 7 universities, and 4 high schools - this year’s planned event will be even larger. Activities will include hands-on optics demonstrations, Internet of Things (IoT) competitions, lab tours at the National Institute of Optics and Lasers (NIOL), and industry exhibitions.

Officially founded and registered in October 2023, the Multimedia University of Kenya Optical Society is anchored in Kenya’s first BSc in Applied Optics and Lasers, which was launched in 2016. In just three years, the society has grown into a recognised student chapter under Optica (since February 2024) and SPIE (since March 2025). A major highlight of IDL 2026 will be the official launch of the Women’s Chapter, a dedicated initiative to bridge gender gaps in STEM through mentorship and targeted outreach to girls’ schools. This launch reaffirms the Chapter's commitment to inclusivity and scientific leadership in East Africa.

Contact: Kipkemoi Elvis Samuel; President, Multimedia University of Kenya Optical Society
Laboratory Technologist, National Institute for Optics and Lasers; Email: ekipkemoi@mmu.ac.ke

Illuminating Impact Symposium with Unite to Light

Unite to Light is a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit organisation that provides solar-powered lighting and charging solutions to people around the world living without access to electricity. Indeed, over 700 million people still live without reliable access to electricity, yet it is widely known that access to clean, affordable light and energy is critical to improving health, education, and prosperity. Since its founding in 2010, Unite to Light and its partners have distributed over 275,000 solar lights and chargers to more than 80 countries, aiming to address key needs in education, maternal and child health, disaster response, and homelessness support.

For the International Day of Light 2026, Unite to Light will host the Illuminating Impact: Thought Leadership Summit on May 15 at the Direct Relief Headquarters in Santa Barbara, focusing on discussing aspects of innovation, collaboration, and leadership at the intersection of light, sustainability, and global impact. The summit will convene climate and clean energy leaders, global health and education experts, philanthropists and impact investors, and local government and business leaders, creating a unique platform for cross-sector dialogue and partnership. Registration for in-person and online attendance is at this link.

Contact Kate Stevens; Unite to Light; Email: kate@unitetolight.org

Who will be The Daylight Award 2026 laureates?

As The Daylight Award approaches its 2026 announcement, anticipation is building around the new laureates who will join a distinguished group of previous recipients in the categories of Daylight Research and Daylight in Architecture. Awarded biennially, The Daylight Award honours individuals whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of daylight and its impact on life on Earth. Previous laureates, from pioneering researchers to visionary architects, have contributed to shaping a growing, interdisciplinary dialogue that connects science, design, and the built environment. The laureates will be revealed on Saturday, 16 May 2026, marking the UNESCO International Day of Light. The official award ceremony will take place in Copenhagen on 27 May 2026 and will be livestreamed globally, offering audiences the opportunity to experience the laureates’ lectures and join the ongoing conversation on the role of daylight in our lives. Who will shape the next chapter of The Daylight Award story?; Mark the date and follow the announcement at thedaylightaward.com

Contact Jadrana Curkovic; The Daylight Award Communication; Email: jadrana@thedaylightaward.com

A Libyan National Node for the International Day of Light.

We are very pleased to highlight the newly established Libya National Node, led by the Research Center of Optical Fibers and Lasers at the College of Electrical and Electronics Technology (CEET) in Benghazi. In recent years, researchers within CEET have organised a range of workshops and hands-on sessions for both students and professionals, including collaborations with the Man-Made River Project that was built to transport groundwater from underground aquifers in the Sahara Desert to coastal cities where the majority of the population is concentrated. Building on this momentum, a 20-hour postgraduate training course on optical fibre networks will run throughout April 2026, with field training and visits to optical fibre deployments in Benghazi planned for May. More general outreach activities aimed at young students and the general public have focused on simpler experiments illustrating the basic properties of light, and also describing the rich heritage of Arabic contributions to optical science through pioneers such as Ibn Al-Haytham. These initiatives reflect the national commitment to strengthen optics and photonics capacity in Libya, and align with the global mission of the International Day of Light to promote education, and the longer-term goals of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development.

Contact Dr. Mohamed Elgaud; Director of the Center of Research and Technical Studies; Coordinator of the Research Center of Optical Fibers and Lasers, CEET; Email: elgaud@ceet.edu.ly

Lighting the Sound in Albany, Australia.

Running for nine nights over three weekends in March 2026, the coastline and sky of the portside city of Albany/Kinjarling in Western Australia were transformed by Lighting the Sound, a dramatic and immersive large-scale light-art installation. Designed and implemented by Finnish light artist Kari Kola together with arts and cultural organisation FORM, the work was co-designed with Menang Elders and the Albany community. Lighting the Sound embodies the Menang-first approach and principles of reconciliation central to the Albany 2026 vision. Rooted in the wisdom of the Menang (or Bloodroot) plant, from which the region’s First Nations people take their name, this initiative celebrates tens of thousands of years of unbroken connection and creates the opportunity for Menang people to tell their story. The visual language of the work drew from the bloodroot plant - its vivid pigments, earthy hues, and elemental strength. These natural colours formed the basis of the installation that drew an audience of 10's of thousands into stillness, reflection, and awe.

Contact Kari Kola; Email: kari@karikola.com

Celebrating 200 years of Photography.

It was around 1826-1827 that the French inventor Nicéphore Niépce captured what is generally considered to be the first surviving photograph, le Point de vue du Gras, a view from a window of a country estate in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes. The image was created by a process that Niépce had invented around 1822, using a camera obscura to project an image onto a pewter plate thinly coated with bitumen. The bitumen hardened in areas strongly exposed to light, but remained soluble in areas more weakly illuminated, such that it could be washed away to reveal an image. Photography has since revolutionised virtually every area of society - in science and technology, art, culture, education, family life, politics, and more. By giving us the ability to freeze moments in time, photography has fundamentally transformed how we document and share our human experience.

Throughout 2026 and 2027, a number of celebrations of the photography bicentenary will take place, including a major national initiative in France coordinated by the French Ministry of Culture. Of course, this is also an opportunity for the International Day of Light community to engage, since many partners already include photography and photography competitions in their activities. For example, events in 2026 could launch local campaigns encouraging students to explore photography, perhaps leading to exhibitions to take place for the International Day of Light in 2027. And from an educational and scientific perspective, photography reveals the universe on every scale, whether it be everyday natural phenomena or the remarkable techniques of astrophotography and microscopy. There are several possibilities of wonderful events to organise, so if you are planning something, please let us know.

Contact International Day of Light with the Email: contact@lightday.org

Physics Without Frontiers in Pakistan

Physics Without Frontiers (PWF) is a capacity-building program run by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) that supports physics education and research in developing and under-resourced regions by connecting local teachers and students with the international scientific community. Through building local groups trained in particular areas of physics, the programme supports schools and universities and helps communities to organise public outreach events. For the International Day of Light 2026, the Active Learning in Optics (ALO) group at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan, held a PWF activity at the Women University Mardan from March 30 - April 1, bringing together students, researchers, and international experts to promote advanced learning in optics and photonics amongst women in the region. Topics covered quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and quantum optics and in addition, two Salam Centennial Lectures were given as part of the celebrations at ICTP, recognising the centennial of Abdus Salam who would have turned 100 on 29 January 2026.

Contact: Imrana Ashraf at the Active Learning in Optics at Quaid-i-Azam University; Email: iashraf@ictp.it.

We encourage you to visit the social media and the official channels: IDLOfficial on X/Twitter, InternationalDayOfLight on Instagram, InternationalDayOfLight on Facebook, International Day Of Light on LinkedIn, and @idlofficial.bsky.social on Bluesky for further contents.

The IDL2026 Newsletter Archive

• 20 April 2026: April Newsletter
• 23 March 2026: March Newsletter
• 28 January 2026: January-February Newsletter
• 12 November 2025: November Newsletter