International Day of Mathematics

Context

International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is observed globally on the 14th of March every year.

• It is also known as the Pi Day because the mathematical constant π (pi) can be rounded down to 3.14. 

History

• The proclamation of March 14 as the International Day of Mathematics was adopted in the 205th session of the UNESCO’s Executive Council. 
• The day was then adopted in the 40th session of the General Conference of UNESCO in November 2019. 
• Later in 2020, the world celebrated its First International Day of Mathematics on March 14, 2020, with the theme ‘Mathematics is Everywhere.’

Objectives

• It aims to educate people about the essential role of mathematics in science and technology, improve quality of life, empower women and girls, and contribute to sustainable development. 
• The major goals of the International Day of Mathematics is to improve understanding among the general public of the importance of mathematics in education, raise awareness of the role of maths in modern society, science, and disaster management; increase access to information about mathematics, increase international networking, and collaborations in public awareness of mathematics and more.

Theme

• The theme for 2022 International Day of Mathematics is “Mathematics Unites!“.
• The 2021 theme of the International Day of Mathematics is “Mathematics for a Better World”.
• Internal Day of Mathematics 2021 is celebrated in more than 70 countries with over 410 individual events.