Celebrated on 09/08/2026
International Literacy Day, celebrated on September 8, was first declared by UNESCO in 1965 to highlight the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. Did you know that despite global progress, over 770 million adults worldwide still lack basic literacy skills, with two-thirds of them being women?
International Literacy Day (ILD) was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on October 26, 1966, during the 14th session of the UNESCO General Conference. The first celebration took place on September 8, 1967, following the recommendation of the World Congress of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy held in Tehran in 1965. The day was established to remind the international community of the importance of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies, and to intensify efforts towards a more literate world.
Over the years, International Literacy Day has evolved to focus on specific themes, such as 'Literacy and Sustainable Development' in 2014 and 'Literacy in a Digital World' in 2017. Each year, UNESCO hosts events at its headquarters in Paris and coordinates activities worldwide, including award ceremonies for literacy projects, conferences, and workshops. Today, ILD is celebrated by governments, NGOs, and educational institutions through campaigns, book drives, and public readings, emphasizing the role of literacy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on quality education.
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