The International Mathematical Union is trying to get UNESCO to make March 14, commonly known as π Day, the International Day of Mathematics.

This is a slight distraction, but couldn’t the International Mathematical Union find someone to type the actual letter π instead of p into a computer? If not, I can perform this service for a small fee.

March 14, often written 3/14, is already celebrated in many countries as Pi Day, since

p = 3.141 592 653 589 793 238 462 643 383 279…

Moreover, the date is convenient for all countries around the world. The major goals of an International Day of Mathematics, with expected benefits for students, for teachers, for women and girls and for society at large are to: 1. Improve understanding among the general public, decision makers and in schools, of the importance of mathematics in education;

2. Contribute to capacity building in mathematical and scientific education, with special focus on girls and children from developing countries (SDG4);

3. Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls in mathematics (SDG5);

4. Improve understanding among the general public, with decision makers and in schools of the importance of mathematics as a tool for developments which lead to more prosperous economy circumstances (SDG9);

5. Emphasize the importance of basic research in mathematical sciences as the seed to breakthroughs in technology and the management of society (SDG8);

6. 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. (SDG3);

7. Raise awareness of the role of mathematics in fighting disasters, epidemics, emerging diseases, invasive species (SDG11);

8. Highlight the role of mathematics in moving to a circular economy of sustainability compatible with preservation of biodiversity (SDG14 and 15);

9. Equip the general public and young people with tools for understanding the planetary challenges and the capacity to respond as knowledgeable citizens;

10. Increase international networking and collaborations in public awareness of mathematics;

11. Increase the access to information, providing a simple way to give citizens a choice in all aspects of their daily life.

If that sounds like a good idea to you, you can help make it a reality by entering the competition to make a logo for the day. Rather than put all the information on one page, the IMU has put the compo details in a separate PDF, so I’ll reproduce them here:

Now the IMU is inviting bids for the logo of the IDM. Ideally, the logo must be available in different formats for use on the web and for printing on posters. An editable version of the

logo will be needed for use in high quality work. If this is not feasible, the IMU is entitled to engage a professional graphic designer for this purpose. Logos together with artist information (full name, date of birth, career or profession, personal webpage if any, and email) must be sent by email at idm@mathunion.org. Only electronic bids are eligible. An email confirming receipt of submissions will be sent. In case of not receiving a confirmation within 48 hours, please resend the work.

They’re also looking for bids to host a website for the day, with details on that in another letter. Don’t be shy – you’re probably better at websites than the IMU.

By the way, there’s already a World Maths Day, run by a company called 3P Learning in partnership with UNICEF. It’s on March 7, a week before the proposed IDM. It’s unclear to me if the IMU is aware of this, or if UNICEF and UNESCO know what each other are doing.

Personally, I’m quite happy calling it π Day.

More information: The IMU’s IDM page, idm314.org.