International Literacy Day is observed on September 8 every year, emphasizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for lifelong learning. This global celebration, led by UNESCO, seeks to raise awareness about the challenges of illiteracy and promote efforts to improve literacy rates worldwide.
In 2024, the focus of International Literacy Day is on addressing the digital divide in education, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. Many communities around the world continue to face barriers to accessing basic education, exacerbated by factors such as poverty, conflict, and lack of technological resources
Literacy is vital for empowering individuals, improving quality of life, and fostering social and economic development. Events and campaigns on this day encourage governments, civil society, and educators to invest in literacy programs, especially for marginalized groups such as women, refugees, and rural populations
This day also highlights literacy’s role in achieving broader global goals, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030.
