International Literacy Day 2026
UNESCO's global International Literacy Day celebration will be held on Sept 8 and 9, 2026, in Mexico. The event will bring together education ministers, experts, teachers and students to discuss progress and challenges in literacy and possible policy solutions
International Literacy Day is observed on September 8 every year to highlight the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right and a foundation for education, opportunity and participation in society. In 2026, the day marks its 60th anniversary and will focus on the continuing importance of literacy in a rapidly changing world.
The 2026 observance will also provide an opportunity to assess progress made over the past six decades and examine the challenges that continue to affect literacy worldwide.
What does International Literacy Day 2026 focus on?
The 2026 observance comes at a time when global literacy levels have improved considerably, but major gaps remain. UNESCO estimates that at least 739 million youth and adults worldwide still lack basic literacy skills, based on 2024 data. At the same time, four in 10 children are not reaching minimum proficiency in reading.
