Literacy efforts have so far failed to reach the poorest and most marginalized groups of populations. Under the banner "Literacy as Freedom", UNESCO has taken over the coordination of the Literacy Decade. It is meant to mobilize international agencies and national governments to join forces and dedicate resources to implement successful literacy activities.

The Decade focuses on the needs of non-literate youth and adults, in particular women and girls, out of-school children and youth, as well as children in school without access to quality learning. It is based on a broad notion of literacy as the foundation for lifelong learning. This includes synergies between formal, non-formal and informal education and learning, and the creation of literate environments.

In support of the UNLD, UIL is undertaking a range of activities focusing on policy-driven research, capacity building and advocacy. UIL is also the UNESCO unit in charge of coordinating LIFE, the global Literacy Initiative for Empowerment, which is meant to help achieve the UNLD goals.

UIL Cluster on Literacy
UNESCO Literacy Portal
Regional Conferences
UNLD International Plan of Action
LIFE Vision and Strategy Paper
EFA Global Monitoring Report "Literacy for Life"