Jakarta (ANTARA) – There are many celebration days around the world. But, did you know that there is International Mathematics Day which falls on March 14th?

March 14 was designated as International Mathematics Day at UNESCO’s 40th General Conference in November 2019.

Previously, in many countries, March 14 was observed as Phi Day. Phi is one of the most popular mathematical constants at 3.14. Phi day then takes the number of the constant so that the celebration is held on the 14th of month 3.

International Mathematics Day was first celebrated on March 14, 2020, with the theme “Mathematics is Everywhere”. Then in 2021, the theme raised is “Mathematics for a Better World”.

This year, International Mathematics Day is celebrated with the theme “Mathematics Unites”, proposed by Yuliya Nesterova, a graduate student from the University of Ottawa Canada.

Organized by the International Mathematical Union, this year’s International Mathematics Day is celebrated in more than 90 countries virtually and face-to-face, including celebrations in the classroom.

The specialty of celebrating International Mathematics Day this year is the Mathematics Unites Photo Challenge. More than 3270 participants consisting of individuals, schools, and organizations, have submitted photos on the www.idm314.org page depicting “Mathematics Unites”.

Referring to the official UNESCO website, International Mathematics Day aims to show the basic role that mathematics plays in achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as strengthening two UNESCO priorities, namely Africa and equality. gender.

Meanwhile, quoting from the official website of the International Days of Mathematics, the celebration is expected to provide benefits for students, teachers, women and girls, and the general public in order to increase understanding of the importance of mathematics in education.

Then, emphasizing the importance of mathematics as the seed of technological breakthroughs and community management, highlighting the role of mathematics in the organization of modern society including economic, financial, health, transportation, and telecommunication systems in human welfare efforts, as well as combating disasters to epidemics.

In addition, International Mathematics Day is also expected to contribute to capacity building in mathematics and scientific education with a special focus on girls and children from developing countries, as well as achieving equality gender and empowering women in mathematics.