International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on the 8th of September. The day was established by UNESCO on the 26th of October, 1966 during the fourteenth UNESCO General Conference and has been observed since 1967. The day calls attention to the countless literacy problems that exist globally, and highlights the importance of efforts towards achieving basic literacy in society to law/policy-makers. 

Importance of the Day

Literacy is an extremely important human right. Literacy is the basic foundation for many other skills. In order for an equal, non-discriminatory, and harmonious society to be created, literacy is necessary. Literacy can help individuals foster a sense of respect and responsibility. However, around 739 million people in the world are illiterate. One in five adults are illiterate, and four in ten children are not proficient in reading. Hundreds of millions of children have dropped out of school or attend irregularly. 

Theme for 2025

The theme of International Literacy Day in 2025 is “Promoting literacy in the digital era”. More and more things are becoming more digital in today’s age, creating both negative and positive impacts. Digital tools can be helpful for some, but ultimately generate issues concerning privacy and biases. Passive consumption, or consuming information without comprehension or absorption, is also troublesome. However, the literacy in the digital era theme encourages  individuals to interact with digital tools with critical thinking. 

UNESCO BMW’s Vision

Our mission is to promote and to put into action programs that help raise a new generation of peacemakers, to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and people, based upon respect for shared values.

UNESCO BMW’s Involvement

UNESCO BMW is committed to raising awareness for literacy struggles worldwide today. We have written and developed many books that teach readers valuable life lessons for inner peace. For example, Memories of a Leaf, teaches its readers to be grateful for their lives and be willing to strive for their dreams. If I Could shows the value of friendship and family through a children’s story about a cloud. BEE-ing is another children’s story about acceptance, kindness, and respect. Through these stories, every day, we work towards creating a society in which literacy is accessible to all.

By: Vallerie Kalekar

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