International Literacy Day 2026

UNESCO's International Literacy Day, observed on 8 September, promotes reading, writing and lifelong learning as foundations for rights and opportunity. It highlights unequal access to education, including language and digital barriers.

International Literacy Day is observed on 8 September. UNESCO proclaimed the day in 1966 and celebrations began in 1967, at a time when governments and educators were giving renewed attention to large-scale adult illiteracy and access to basic education. The observance treats literacy as more than the ability to decode written words: reading, writing and increasingly digital and information skills influence a person’s access to education, work, public services, culture and civic participation. Over the decades, the day has also highlighted the importance of literacy in a language people understand, lifelong learning and the need to reach groups excluded by poverty, gender inequality, disability, conflict or displacement. Schools, libraries, governments and community organizations mark the occasion through reading activities, learning campaigns and programmes that support children and adults who have had limited educational opportunities.

Recognises literacy as a human right and a foundation for education, informed choices, employment and democratic participation.

Reading drives, library access programmes, adult-learning classes, multilingual storytelling and digital-literacy workshops.

UNESCO proclaimed the day in 1966 and worldwide observance began in 1967 on 8 September; themes differ annually.