International Year of Sound 2020–2021: History and objectives

The International Commission for Acoustics considered that the proclamation of an International Year of Sound (IYS) would create a worldwide awareness of the importance of sound in our world. Sound is an integral part of culture and society from the basic requirements for communication, awareness of our environment, and expression of our culture through to sophisticated scientific and technological research and applications. After a decade of preparation, the ICA decided to organize the International Year of Sound 2020. The moto of the IYS 2020 was “Importance of Sound for Society and the World” and the IYS was associated with the UNESCO Charter of Sound and resolution 39C/59 on the ‘’Importance of sound in today’s world—Promoting best practices.” The French Organization “La Semaine du Son” became partner in this initiative. The ICA planned a number of central activities and the majority of the ICA member organisations embraced the opportunity to organize local and regional events during 2020. Of course the arrival of the Covid 19 pandemic curtailed the majority of the planned events but the enthusiasm remained to adapt to virtual activities and develop more resources. In response to the continued enthusiasm the ICA Board agreed the IYS should become a two years celebration. This resulted to the new reference as International Year of Sound 2020–2021 (IYS 2020–21)