March 14 – World Mathematics Day
International Day of Mathematics, or as it is called – the queen of all sciences is celebrated on March 14. It was proclaimed in November 2019 at the 40th UNESCO General Conference.
The International Day of Mathematics aims to demonstrate the fundamental role of mathematical sciences in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
A broader understanding of the mathematical sciences throughout the world is of vitally prime importance for solving problems in such areas as artificial intelligence, climate change, energy, and sustainable development.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization aims to facilitate access to mathematical education and research in developing countries through its educational programs and regional centers for mathematics in Hanoi (Vietnam) and Accra (Ghana), Benin, Nigeria, as well as the programs of the International Center for Pure and Applied Mathematics in Nice.
“This day is dedicated to remembering which purpose mathematics is required for and, in particular, how it can become the basis of innovation for sustainable development. We must acknowledge that mathematics, even in its most theoretical aspects, really concerns all of us,” noted UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in her message on the occasion of the International Day of Mathematics.
In many countries, March 14 (3/14) is celebrated as Pi Day, since π is one of the world’s most famous mathematical constants (can be approximated to 3.14).
It was invented by a physicist from San Francisco, Larry Shaw, who noticed that in the American system of recording dates (month / day) March 14 – 3/14 – coincides with the first digits of the number π = 3.14...
This number was used in construction of the famous Tower of Babel. However, an insufficiently accurate calculation of the Pi valuation led to the collapse of the entire project. It is noteworthy that the international day of the number Pi coincides with the birthday of one of the outstanding physicists Albert Einstein.
