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International Literacy Day 2026, observed on 8 September, marks the 60th edition of the observance.
Theme: 'Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity', linking literacy to inclusion, environmental awareness and livelihoods.
UNESCO's global celebration is held on 8-9 September 2026 in Chiapas, Mexico, with the Government of Mexico; the opening ceremony is at the indigenous community of San Juan Chamula.
UNESCO estimates 739 million youth and adults lacked basic literacy skills (2024 data), and about 4 in 10 children do not reach minimum reading proficiency.
The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes are awarded at the celebration.
UNESCO's 14th General Conference proclaims 8 September as International Literacy Day
The day is observed for the first time
Theme: 'Promoting multilingual education: literacy for mutual understanding and peace'
Theme: 'Promoting literacy in the digital era'; global celebration at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris
60th edition celebrated in Chiapas, Mexico under 'Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity'
Proclaims and organises International Literacy Day; awards the International Literacy Prizes and tracks global literacy data
Bring non-literate persons aged 15 and above into foundational literacy and numeracy, in line with the National Education Policy 2020
Key: Centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Education for FY 2022-23 to 2026-27, targeting 5 crore learners with an outlay of Rs 1,037.90 crore; covers literacy, numeracy, life skills and vocational skills
GS Paper 2 > Social Justice > Education; International Institutions (UNESCO)
General Awareness > Important Days and Themes
The ability to use reading, writing and numeracy for everyday tasks, beyond merely signing one's name
The Sustainable Development Goal on inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all
Awards given to outstanding literacy programmes: the King Sejong Literacy Prize and the Confucius Prize for Literacy