UNESCO: Mexico to Host Global Literacy Event on September 8 and 9

08:47

The International Literacy Day will take on a special significance in 2026. To mark the 60th anniversary of its establishment, UNESCO will organize a global celebration on September 8 and 9 in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, under the theme "Literacy for People, Planet, and Prosperity."

This gathering, organized in partnership with the Mexican government, will bring together policymakers, education specialists, teachers, and students. The goal will be to assess the progress made worldwide, as well as to highlight the obstacles that continue to hinder universal access to essential reading and writing skills.

Significant Progress, but Persistent Inequalities

Data provided by UNESCO illustrates a considerable advancement in literacy over the past few decades. Today, more than 88% of the global adult population can read and write, compared to about 65% in 1975.

However, this global trend masks significant disparities. Approximately 739 million youths and adults still lack basic reading and writing skills. Additionally, there is a concerning situation among children: in low- or middle-income countries, four out of ten children are unlikely to reach the minimum level of reading proficiency.

These gaps place literacy at the heart of human development challenges. Beyond acquiring fundamental knowledge, mastering reading and writing is essential for accessing education, employment, information, and fully participating in economic and social life.

Chiapas at the Center of International Discussions

The choice of Mexico to host this anniversary edition will also give a regional dimension to the event. Discussions will focus on public policies capable of accelerating progress, identifying populations still distant from learning, and better measuring the outcomes of implemented programs.

The opening ceremony will be presided over by Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, during his first official visit to Mexico in this role.

The program will also include the awarding of six UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. These awards highlight initiatives considered particularly innovative or effective in various regions of the world.

Literacy Facing the Challenge of Multilingualism

The celebration will also place significant emphasis on language issues. A special session will be dedicated to the relationships between literacy, languages, and multilingualism, a major issue in many societies where multiple languages coexist within educational systems and communities.

Another session will reflect on the six decades of the International Literacy Day, allowing for an assessment of the evolution of international policies and priorities since its proclamation.

The Global Alliance for Literacy will also convene during the event. Participants will particularly examine the draft action plan corresponding to the Alliance's strategy for the period 2026-2029.

Towards More Targeted Policies

For UNESCO, the challenge now is to transform the statistical progress recorded globally into tangible advancements for the most vulnerable populations.

The organization works with its member states and partners through its global network of offices and institutes. It particularly coordinates the Global Alliance for Literacy, which focuses its efforts on countries with the lowest literacy levels.

The 2026 edition is expected to serve as a platform for identifying more tailored responses to local realities, enhancing the monitoring of public policies, and fostering the sharing of experiences between countries.

Sixty years after the establishment of this international day, the situation appears mixed: global literacy rates have significantly improved, but the sheer number of people still lacking fundamental skills reminds us that the goal of truly accessible education for all remains far from achieved.