International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is annually observed across the globe on 14th March to create awareness about the importance of mathematics in addressing the challenges in areas like Artificial Intelligence(AI), climate change, energy and sustainable development.
- The day also aims to highlight the significance of mathematics in improving the quality of life in both the developed and developing worlds.
The theme of IDM 2023 is “Mathematics for Everyone”.
The worldwide celebration of IDM is led by the International Mathematical Union (IMU) with the support of several international and regional organizations.
Background:
i.Executive Council of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) at its 205th session proclaimed March 14th as the International Day of Mathematics.
ii.It was adopted by the 40th session of the General Conference of UNESCO in November 2019.
iii.The inaugural celebration of the IDM was held on March 14, 2020.
Why March 14?
i.In the month/date format, March 14th represents the value of Pi(often represented by the lower-case Greek letter π), 3.14, which defines the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.
ii.In several countries across the globe, 14th March (3.14) is already celebrated as Pi Day.
Efforts of UNESCO:
i.UNESCO has published a guide “Mathematics for Action” which aims to explain to decision-makers how to use mathematics, a treasure trove of human intelligence, especially to inform the future.
ii.UNESCO is working towards ensuring access to mathematics in developing counties through its educational programmes, regional centres in Hanoi and Accra, its Chairs in Benin, Nigeria and Palestine, and the programmes in Asia, Africa and America of the International Centre for Pure and Applied Mathematics in Nice.
About International Mathematical Union (IMU):
IMU is an international non-governmental and non-profit scientific organization, with the purpose of promoting international cooperation in mathematics.
IMU was founded during the International Congress of Mathematicians in Strasbourg on September 20, 1920.
President– Hiraku Nakajima(Japan)
Secretary General– Christoph Sorger
Headquarters– Berlin, Germany (France)
