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International Literacy Day, 8 September
On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally.
Despite many and varied efforts, literacy remains an elusive target: some 776 million adults lack minimum literacy skills which means that one in five adults is still not literate; 75 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out.
2009 - The Power of Literacy
Poster 2009
This year, International Literacy Day will put the spotlight on the empowering role of literacy and its importance for participation, citizenship and social development. Literacy and Empowerment is the theme for the 2009-2010 biennium of the United Nations Literacy Decade.
Related Links
- Message from Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO
- UN Secretary-General message for International Literacy Day
- Message from the Holy See (in French)
- UN chief calls for greater commitment to boost literacy on International day
- World Association of News Papers Presse Release (WAN)
- Interview with Dr Lalage J. Bown
- The Programme (UNESCO Paris headquarters)
- The Prize winners 2009
Contact: literacy(at)unesco.org
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