International Literacy Day 2026

International Literacy Day 2026 was observed on 8th September. This year is historic, as it marks the 60th anniversary of the day. UNESCO's global celebration will be held on 8-9 September in Chiapas, Mexico, in collaboration with the Government of Mexico.

International Literacy Day is celebrated every year on 8th September. It was started to highlight that literacy is not just the ability to read and write but a basic human right and the foundation for a dignified life.

Literacy helps a person get education, find employment, participate in society, and claim other rights. For inclusive and sustainable development, literacy is the first step. This is why it is directly linked to SDG 4, which advocates quality education.

The history goes back to 1966:

Proclaimed in 1966 at UNESCO's 14th General Conference. First celebrated, since then, every year 8th September is observed worldwide.

UNESCO's idea was clear: to remind governments, teachers, NGOs, and common people that literacy is essential for building a just, peaceful, and sustainable society.

The theme for the 60th anniversary is very broad and relevant:

For People: Literacy ensures inclusion, gender equality, and participation in democracy.

For Planet: A literate person can better understand climate change, sustainable lifestyles, and environmental protection.

For Prosperity: Literacy opens doors for better livelihood, skill development, and economic growth. So this year, UNESCO wants to show literacy as a tool for overall social, environmental, and economic transformation.

Despite progress in the last six decades, the challenge is still big: As per UNESCO 2024 data, 739 million youth and adults still lack basic literacy skills. 4 out of 10 children cannot achieve minimum proficiency in reading. This shows that literacy is still a global challenge, especially in developing countries and Sub-Saharan Africa.

At the Global Level: Main event in Chiapas, Mexico, with education ministers, experts, and teachers.Presentation of UNESCO International Literacy Prizes to the best literacy programs.

At the National and Local Level: Awareness campaigns, literacy drives, and seminars in schools and colleges. In India, programs under ULLAS, Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, and NEP 2020, with a goal of 100% adult literacy, are promoted.

What is ULLAS?

1. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: Basic reading, writing, and ability to do simple calculations. This is the core: to make every citizen literate.

2. Critical Life Skills: Skills needed for daily life like financial literacy, digital literacy, health awareness, legal awareness, and awareness about the environment.

3. Basic Education: Providing equivalence to formal schooling up to the secondary level. It gives a second chance to those who dropped out.

4. Vocational Skills: Providing skill development and local employment-related skills to improve livelihood and income.

5. Continuing Education: Encouraging lifelong learning through libraries, reading rooms, and courses on art, culture, sports, and holistic well-being.

Why Is ULLAS Important?

In simple words, ULLAS is India's new vision for adult education. It is based on volunteerism, inspired by citizens and students teaching others as volunteers (Kartavya Bodh).It uses the online and mobile app ULLAS to connect learners and volunteers. It helps in achieving the 100% literacy goal of NEP 2020 and SDG 4.

For India and especially for Bihar, this day is very important. As per Census 2011, Bihar's literacy rate is still below the national average. Improving literacy, especially female literacy, is key for poverty removal, health improvement, and social empowerment.

Points to keep in mind