International Day of Mathematics

International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is observed on March 14 every year. The day aims to celebrate and highlight the importance of maths in the world, especially the role it plays in breakthroughs in science and technology. The day is also known as Pi Day because the constant π (pi) is approximately rounded to 3.14 and the date is written as 3/14 in some countries. It’s a day for a double celebration!

Mathematics is a critical part of life and essential in our daily activities. You may not realize it, but you use math every single day! From cooking dinner to telling time, your brain is constantly busting equations. And just like every other aspect of our lives that we hold dear, we ought, and can celebrate the special day in this fantastic field.

A new theme every year: Every year we will announce a new theme to flavor the celebration, spark creativity and bring light to connections between mathematics and all sorts of fields, concepts, and ideas.

The theme for 2023 was: Mathematics for Everyone.

History

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared 14 March, also known as Pi Day, as the International Day of Mathematics in its 40th General Conference on 25th November 2019 (40C/ Resolution 30). IMD celebrates the beauty and importance of mathematics and its essential role in everyone’s life.

UNESCO is committed daily to facilitating access to mathematics education and research in developing countries through its educational programs, but also through its regional centers dedicated to mathematics.

The day deciphers the role of mathematics in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 that was adopted by the global community in 2015. The International Day of Mathematics project is led by the International Mathematical Union with the support of numerous international and regional organizations from all over the world. The International Mathematical Union (IMU), a nongovernment, non-profit scientific organization that promotes international cooperation in mathematics, leads the IDM. The IDM aims to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically.

Improve understanding among the general public, decision-makers, and in schools, of the importance of mathematics in education.
Contribute to capacity building in mathematical and scientific education, with a special focus on girls and children from developing countries (SDG-4).
Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls in mathematics (SDG-5).
Improve understanding among the general public, with the decision makers and in schools of the importance of mathematics as a tool for developments that lead to more prosperous economic circumstances (SDG-9).
Emphasize the importance of basic research in mathematical science as the seed to breakthroughs in technology and the management of society (SDG-8).
Highlight the role of mathematics in the organization of modern society, including economic, financial, health and transport systems, telecommunications in the quest for human well-being, etc (SDG-3).
Raise awareness of the role of mathematics in fighting disasters, epidemics, emerging diseases, and invasive species (SDG-11).
Highlight the role of mathematics in moving to a circular economy of sustainability compatible with the preservation of biodiversity (SDG-14 and 15).
Equip the general public and young people with tools for understanding the planetary challenges and the capacity to respond as knowledgeable citizens.
Increase international networking and collaborations in public awareness of mathematics.
Increase access to information, providing a simple way to give citizens a choice in all aspects of their daily life.

Suggested Read: National Mathematics Day

Observance

Everyone is invited to participate in various activities for both students and the general public in schools, museums, libraries, and other spaces. On International Day of Mathematics, anyone can find fun games about mathematics, and try to share their passion for the subject and inspire someone.

The day aims to improve understanding among the general public of the importance of mathematics in education and raise awareness of the role of maths in daily life. The best way to celebrate is to organize your local event with a math-oriented activity.

Share the day on your social media with the hashtag #InternationalDayOfMathematics or #IDM.

Mathematics taught me: that the negative after the negative means the positive, so do not despair, because calamity after calamity means rest.