On September 8, 2025, the world celebrates International Literacy Day under the theme “Promoting Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace,” as declared by UNESCO. Marking its 60th anniversary since its inception in 1966, this global observance highlights literacy’s role in fostering education, equality, and peace. With events spanning New Delhi, Paris, and beyond, International Literacy Day 2025 underscores the urgent need to address the 763 million adults worldwide—two-thirds women—who lack basic literacy skills, per UNESCO’s latest data.
Literacy as a Catalyst for Peace
This year’s theme emphasizes literacy’s power to bridge cultural divides and promote mutual understanding. UNESCO’s global conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon, gathers educators, policymakers, and activists to discuss innovative literacy strategies. In India, where the literacy rate has risen to 81% per the 2024 NSO survey, initiatives like the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) aim to educate 5 crore adults by 2027. Events in Delhi, including workshops and book fairs, saw participation from figures like Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stressed, “Literacy is the foundation of a developed India.” X users echoed this, with one posting, “Literacy empowers us to build peace, not just progress.”
Addressing Global and Local Challenges
Despite progress, global literacy gaps persist, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where 88% of youth lack advanced reading skills. In India, rural areas and marginalized communities, especially women, face barriers like poverty and access to education. UNESCO’s 2025 Literacy Prizes honored programs in Bangladesh and Brazil for tech-driven solutions, inspiring India’s push for digital literacy through apps like DIKSHA. Mumbai-based teacher Priya Sharma shared on X, “Teaching rural girls to read feels like giving them wings.” Yet, challenges remain, with 9% of Indian children still out of school, per UNICEF.
A Call to Action for 2030
International Literacy Day 2025 aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4, targeting universal literacy by 2030. UNESCO calls for increased funding—only 0.4% of global aid goes to literacy—and innovative tools like AI to personalize learning. India’s ₹101 billion education budget supports schemes like Samagra Shiksha, but experts urge more focus on adult literacy. As one X user noted, “Literacy isn’t just reading; it’s empowerment.” Will 2025 mark a turning point, or will systemic barriers persist? By championing literacy, the world moves closer to peace and equality.
-By Manoj H
