Categories: Current AffairsImportant Days

International Literacy Day 2023: Date, Theme, History and Significance

International Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8 every year to promote the importance of literacy for dignity and human rights, and a literate and sustainable society. The day is celebrated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) at the global, regional, country, and local levels across the world.

International Literacy Day 2023, Theme

The theme ‘Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies’. Under this theme, Literacy Day 2023 will be celebrated at the global, regional, country, and local levels across the world. At the global level, a conference will be organized in person and online on Friday, 8 September 2023, in Paris, France. This global celebration will include the award ceremony of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes to announce this year’s outstanding prizewinning programmes.

International Literacy Day 2023, Significance

UNESCO estimates that there are more than 770 million people who are considered illiterate across the world. The definition means that these individuals cannot read or write in at least one language. A vast majority of this figure is made up of women and nearly half of them are adults. Several low-income countries across Africa have literacy rates of less than 45 percent, as poverty and illiteracy often are correlated issues with the public education system in these areas also not being funded enough to support the national education burden. UNESCO has stated in its Global Education Monitoring report that governments need to take a greater burden for providing education to children and to treat the education pipeline as one system to eradicate illiteracy.

International Literacy Day 2023, History

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1966, at the 14th session of its General Conference, announced the event and the first International Literacy Day was celebrated in 1967. The day to mark International Literacy Day was set up by UNESCO on October 26, 1966, in the 14th session of UNESCO’s general conference, International Literacy Day was first celebrated in 1967. The purpose of this day is to emphasise the value of literacy to people, communities, and society as literacy is the path to a well-educated and efficient society.

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FAQs

What is the theme of International Literacy Day 2023?

'Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies'.

Is September 8th the world Literacy Day?

The International Literacy Day is celebrated on 8th September every year throughout the world. On this day, in the year 1965 the World Congress of Ministers of Education met in Tehran for the first time to discuss the programme of education at the international level.

When was Literacy Day first celebrated in India?

For the first time, International Literacy Day was celebrated in 1967. Its purpose is to emphasise the value of literacy to people, communities, and society as literacy is the path to a well-educated and efficient society.

Which state has highest female literacy rate in India?

The highest female literacy rate is seen in Kerala. Kerala also has a record of highest overall literacy rate.

Sumit Arora

As a team lead and current affairs writer at Adda247, my role involves researching and creating informative and engaging content aimed at helping candidates prepare for national and state-level competitive government exams. I specialize in delivering insightful articles that keep aspirants updated on the latest current affairs trends and developments. My primary focus is on educational excellence, ensuring that our readers are well-prepared and informed to face their exams with confidence. Through meticulously crafted content, I aim to guide and support candidates in their journey toward success.