09/08/2026
"For 60 years, one idea has remained at the heart of : everyone has the right to read, write, learn and participate fully in society."
At Literacy Volunteers, we witness every day the transformational power that happens when people come together for literacy empowerment. Literacy changes lives.
Happy International Literacy Day.
For 60 years, one idea has remained at the heart of : everyone has the right to read, write, learn and participate fully in society.
Yet today, 739 million young people and adults still lack basic literacy skills.
UNESCO works with countries and communities to change this: strengthening literacy policies and programmes, building capacities, promoting lifelong learning and supporting partnerships that expand learning opportunities for all.
Through initiatives such as the Global Alliance for Literacy and the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes, we also help spotlight effective solutions and encourage action around the world.
Because literacy is more than learning to read and write. It opens doors to knowledge, opportunity and human rights, and helps build more peaceful and sustainable societies.
60 years on, the goal remains unchanged: literacy for all.
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/literacy
