September 8th each year marks UNESCO’s International Literacy Day, aiming to raise awareness globally around adult and child literacy challenges. It is an opportunity for Governments, civil society and stakeholders to highlight the changes and improvements being made worldwide in literacy development.
The issue of literacy is a key component of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as well as the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
International Literacy Day aims to turn attention on literacy in all its forms and is part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals program, which was adopted by world leaders in 2015. As part of its agenda, it promotes universal access to quality education and learning opportunities throughout people’s lives. One of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 4 is ensuring all young people achieve literacy and numeracy and that adults who lack these skills are given the opportunity to acquire them.
2019 Theme: Literacy and Multilingualism
International Literacy Day 2019 focuses on ‘Literacy and Multilingualism’ and represents an opportunity to express solidarity with the celebrations of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages and the 25th anniversary of the World Conference on Special Needs Education. Whilst progress is being made, literacy challenges continue. Embracing linguistic diversity in education and literacy development is central to addressing these literacy challenges and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
International Literacy Day serves to remind world leaders, influencers and the general public of the current status of adult literacy and learning. In conjunction with International Literacy day, UNESCO also announces its International Literacy awards.
UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. For further details visit https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
Indigenous Languages website: https://en.iyil2019.org