We are delighted to introduce the 5th International Workshop on Optical Wireless Communications held in association with IEEE GLOBECOM 2014. This workshop brings together researchers in industry and academia to share novel approaches to the modeling, design, implementation, and use of optical wireless communication (OWC) systems. OWC encompasses the use of both visible and invisible spectra to solve some of the most interesting challenges in digitally connecting people and machines. Compared against RF technologies, OW systems possess unique properties that offer new capabilities and performance that often supplants or complements RF counterparts. Since the carrier in OWC is well into the terahertz range, there is ongoing interest in developing new electronic and optical materials, techniques, and strategies to fully capitalize on the fundamental capacity of light to transport data over free-space (wireless) channels. In 2014, we face growth in wireless data demand due to growth in numbers of mobile users and in the amount of consumed data. Cisco predicts growth in traffic of 61% year-over-year for the period of 2013-2018. It is not clear how existing wireless networks can satisfy this demand nor how increased wireless capacity can be sustained by the complementary access and distribution networks serving RF wireless channels. OWC solutions here include the use of FSO links, for example, to support the backhaul for small cell deployments or the interconnection of computers within data centers; the development of new LOS and NLOS systems for serving small cells in indoor spaces to replace or augment existing RF systems. OW also has excellent potential to improve security of wireless systems due to directionality and its containment inside opaque walls. These features support applications such as secure or stealthy communications and mobile transactions as near field communications (NFC). Considering the visible spectrum, the need for energy efficiency has spurred the replacement of conventional lighting with LEDs causing an upheaval in the lighting industry. The properties of LEDs permit modulation at speeds appropriate for OW, and the location and ubiquity of lighting devices makes it ideal as a wireless platform for both communications and localization. This year’s program is comprised of four main areas relating to (1) optical detection including imaging receivers, (2) free-space optical systems, (3) applications, and (4) optical sources and system considerations. We also have two invited sessions; the first by Jean Armstrong focusing on indoor positioning and the second by Zhengyuan (Daniel) Xu and Shinichiro Haruyama on recent activities by the Chinese VLC Alliance (C-VLCA) and the Japanese VLC Alliance (VLCA), respectively. Finally, we are most appreciative to our Technical Program Committee and invited reviewers for their prompt and insightful reviews that make the program possible. This year we received 55 paper submissions representing authors from 22 different countries and accepted 19 for presentation at the workshop. This is a substantial increase from the 38 papers submitted in 2013.