International Literacy Day 2025
The International Literacy Day (ILD) is celebrated every year on 8 September to draw attention to improvements in world literacy rates. This is also the time for governments across the world, civil society and stakeholders to reflect upon the world's literacy challenges that lie before them. In 2025, the International Literacy Day will be celebrated on 8 September, like every year and it will fall on a Monday. The International Literacy Day was first held in 1966.
Date | Day | Celebrated |
8 September 2025 | Monday | Across the world |
History of International Literacy Day
The World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy, which took place in Tehran, Iran, in 1965, is where International Literacy Day got its origins. The concept of a day devoted to advancing literacy globally was inspired by this conference. Consequently, at its 14th General Conference in 1966, UNESCO formally proclaimed 8 September as International Literacy Day. The world observed this special occasion for the first time on 8 September 1967, indicating the start of an important worldwide celebration.
Timeline of International Literacy Day
From the basic concept of reading, writing and numeracy skills, the UNESCO has evolved the concept of literacy to a foundation for lifelong learning and functional literacy.
1965
- This was the year, during the World Conference of Ministries on the Eradication of Illiteracy held in Tehran, Iran, when the concept of functional literacy was introduced with literacy as the base for development.
1966
- UNESCO's General Conference declares 8 September as World or International Literacy Day.
1975
- The International Symposium for Literacy was organised by UNESCO in Persepolis, Iran and adopts the Persepolis Declaration. The declaration proclaims that literacy as a contribution to the liberation of man and not restricted to the learning to read, write and numeracy.
1990
- The United Nations declares 1990 as International Literacy year and the important role of literacy was highlighted at the World Conference on Education for All.
1997
- During the 5th International Conference on Adult Learning, the importance of adult literacy was highlighted, in Hamburg, Germany.
2000
- At the World Education Forum held in Dakar, Senegal, the Dakar Framework for Action was adopted and goals such as to meet the basic learning requirements of youth and adults and cut adult literacy by 50%.
2003-12
- Taking lead of the UN Literacy Decade, UNESCO envisions Literacy for All.
2009-10
- During the 6th International Conference on the education of adults, the Belem Framework for Action is adopted.
2015
- At the World Education Forum, the Incheon Declaration was adopted, summarising the commitment to Education 2030 to provide lifelong learning for all and quality, equitable and inclusive education.
Significance of International Literacy Day
UNESCO estimates that 775 million people worldwide do not possess basic literacy skills. Remarkably, one in five adults is still illiterate; the majority of these people are women, indicating a gender disparity. In addition, millions of children miss school or attend on an irregular basis, and the COVID-19 pandemic's aftermath has made these issues worse. Governments and other responsible authorities can use International Literacy Day as a platform to highlight advancements in literacy rates and to create plans that will make literacy available to all.
Traditions of International Literacy Day
The gift of literacy is one that is often overlooked. We cannot live our daily lives without reading. Being illiterate makes it difficult to navigate the world and prevents one from experiencing many things. On International Literacy Day, businesses and people take the initiative to use their literacy to support and uplift those who have troubles in reading and writing.
In honour of this day, students and working adults tutor local children as volunteers and books are donated to libraries. In addition, educational programmes are funded to help students succeed in life.
FAQs on International Literacy Day
- Why is International Literacy Day celebrated?
International Literacy Day is celebrated all over the world to raise awareness of the value of literacy as a matter of human rights and dignity as well as to push the literacy strategy in the direction of a society that is more educated and sustainable. Proper social and personal development in humans depends on literacy. Basic literacy abilities enable people to change their lives by raising their overall standard of living.
- Who introduced International Literacy Day?
The UNESCO introduced International Literacy Day in 1967.
- On which day does International Literacy Day fall in 2025?
In 2025, International Literacy Day will fall on Monday.
- What are the consequences of Lilliteracy?
There is a direct correlation between poverty and illiteracy. When it comes to learning and training, those who can read and write have a significant advantage over those who cannot. This implies that those who are literate typically have higher incomes and even better health. Additionally, the UN notes that in societies with lower literacy rates, there are more negative attitudes towards women.
- What is the future of literacy?
Certain experts assert that our conception of literacy needs to be modified. Nowadays, being able to read is only a limited skill if one is unable to operate a computer or smartphone.
- What is the literacy situation for women and girls?
Approximately 83% of women and girls can read and write, according to a UN study. That being said, women make up two-thirds of the world's illiterate population. This issue is caused by the lack of educational opportunities for girls and the custom of young marriage for girls in a few countries. Several organisations strive to provide literacy skills to women and girls to empower them.
- How is technology impacting the literacy situation?
The internet and the widespread use of gadgets like computers and smartphones have made acquiring literacy easier in the digital age. According to UNESCO, literacy is more crucial than ever as society shifts to 'knowledge-based societies,' which rely primarily on communication.
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