Today is International Literacy Day. The Day is celebrated on the 8th of September every year to remind everyone of the importance of literacy for individuals, communities and societies. This year the theme for International Literacy Day is “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity”. 

Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966 during the 14th session of its General Conference, International Literacy Day provides an opportunity to review progress, deepen understanding of persistent and emerging challenges, and shape future literacy agendas in a rapidly changing world. To mark the International Literacy Day 2026, UNESCO, in collaboration with the Government of Mexico, is organising a global celebration on “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity” in Mexico. The event will also feature the presentation of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.

The main objectives of the global conference include taking stock of literacy progress since 2015 and its contribution to sustainable development and peace; to celebrate progress achieved in Mexico and in Latin America and the Caribbean; to identify effective policies, as well as approaches and solutions for literacy provision, practice and monitoring across lifelong learning ecosystems; and to discuss the draft Action Plan for the implementation of the UNESCO Global Alliance for Literacy Strategy (2026-2029) among others.

Literacy is a fundamental human right for all. It opens the door to the enjoyment of other human rights, greater freedoms, and global citizenship.