International Literacy Day is an annual event celebrated on 8 September to promote and raise awareness about literacy and its importance across the world. It was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1966 to emphasize the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right and a vital factor in social and economic development.
The main goal of International Literacy Day is to highlight the challenges that many people, especially in developing countries, face in acquiring basic reading and writing skills. Illiteracy can become a barrier to education, employment and personal development, so the day serves as an opportunity to discuss literacy programmes, policies and various aspects of increasing literacy.
Promoting literacy is vital to achieving many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. International Literacy Day plays an important role in furthering these global objectives and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to read, write and learn.
