- By Anshika Verma
- Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
International Literacy Day 2025: Every year on September 8, International Literacy Day is observed to understand the importance of the fundamental yet basic human rights and lifelong learning. Literacy opens new doors to the enjoyment of other human rights, greater freedoms as well as global citizenship. Literacy plays a crucial role in the personal development as well as the progress of the society.
Literacy is a foundation to acquire broader knowledge, skills, values, abilities and behaviours to create a culture of peace that will be based on respect for equality and non-discrimination for each and every citizen. Despite a lot of efforts and progress, at least 739 million youth and adults in the world still lack basic literacy skills.
International Literacy Day 2025: History
The beginning of International Literacy Day traces back to the World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy, which took place in Tehran, Iran, in the year 1965. This conference initiated the idea of a day that needs to be dedicated towards promoting literacy on a global scale and worldwide. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization officially announced September 8 as the International Literacy Day during its 14th General Conference in 1966. One year later, on September 8, 1967, the world celebrated this special day for the first time, marking the beginning of a significant global observance of the importance of literacy.
International Literacy Day 2025: Significance
In today’s changing era of literacy and technology, individuals must be equipped with these valuable skills in the digital age. According to UNESCO’s data, approximately 775 million people around the world lack basic literacy skills which is a crucial skill. International Literacy Day provides an opportunity and a platform for governments and responsible authorities to discuss the progress made in literacy rates and to develop effective strategies that ensure literacy becomes accessible to each and everyone. The theme of the International Literacy Day 2025 is ‘Promoting literacy in the digital era.’
When was the first International Literacy Day?
The first International Literacy Day was announced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on October 26, 2025 during the 14th session of the UNESCO's General Conference and was celebrated for the first time in the year 1967.
What is the purpose of World Literacy Day?
International Literacy Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of literacy. It also recognises the contributions and impacts that society and community has made in improving literacy as well as peace among citizens.
