Each year, September 8th marks UNESCO’s International Literacy Day, which aims 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.
The 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.
2020 Theme: Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond
International Literacy Day 2020 focuses on ‘Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond’, focusing on the role of educators and changing pedagogies.
The COVID-19 crisis highlighted, in some instances, the unpreparedness of infrastructure, education systems, programs, and people for ensuring the continuity of teaching and learning in such a situation.
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/