The United Nations (UN) General Assembly
68th Session has proclaimed 2015 as the International
Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015).
The International Year of Light is the initiative of a
large Consortium of scientific bodies with UNESCO as
lead agency, and the IYL 2015 Consortium is delighted to
announce partnership in this International Year with
Royal Philips – global leader in lighting solutions – as
first Patron Sponsor.
In proclaiming an International Year focusing on the topic
of light science and its applications, the United Nations
has recognized the importance of raising global awareness of
how light-based technologies promote sustainable development
and provide solutions to global challenges in energy,
education, agriculture and health.
Harry Verhaar, Head of Global Public and Government Affairs
at Philips Lighting comments: “The transformative power of
light is immense as we have seen over the last 120 years of
Philips’ history – from the launch of the first commercial
incandescent bulb through to connected LED lighting
solutions. Lighting has now entered a digital era, where
sustainable LED technologies are connected to networks,
devices and apps and placed to address the world’s
challenges like never before. 2015 and the International
Year of Light presents the opportunity to realize the
potential of recent innovations in light to benefit people
both socially and economically, while addressing global
challenges like climate change at the same time.”
As a Patron of the International Year of Light, Philips will
work closely with the IYL2015 Consortium to design and
implement actions throughout 2015 to highlight the crucial
role that light and light-based technologies play in
improving the quality of people’s lives worldwide.
Philips will play a leading role in several specific areas
throughout 2015. During the Opening Ceremony at UNESCO HQ
in January 2015 and at other events during the year, Philips
will participate in high-level Round Tables discussing the
need for innovative lighting solutions to address issues of
energy efficiency and climate protection.
Philips will also support a key programme of the
International Year of Light focussing on the fact that for
over 1.5 billion people around the world, night-time means
either darkness or the dim glow of an unhealthy kerosene
lamp or candle. With specific emphasis on the impact this
has on educational opportunities, Philips will participate
in the IYL2015 programme “Study after Sunset” to promote the
use of portable solar-powered high-brightness LED lanterns
in regions where there is little or no reliable source of
light.
Maciej Nalecz, Director, Executive Secretary of the
International Basic Sciences Programme at UNESCO HQ in Paris
adds “UNESCO is very keen to engage with Private Sector
partners in its activities in areas of sustainability and
development, and Philips Lighting is a natural partner of
the International Year of Light. We look forward to working
with them during 2014 and 2015”.
More information in attachment and also see:
Contact the IYL2015 secretariat: light2015@ictp.it.
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