International Literacy Day 2026: History, significance and why it is celebrated on September 8

International Literacy Day, observed every year on September 8, highlights literacy as a fundamental human right and a foundation for education, opportunity and social development. What began as an international response to the problem of illiteracy in the 1960s has grown into a global observance focused on ensuring that everyone can acquire essential literacy skills. (unsplash)

It Began With a Conference in Tehran: The origins of International Literacy Day can be traced to the World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy, held in Tehran, Iran, in September 1965. The conference stressed that illiteracy was a major obstacle to human development and called for greater international cooperation to tackle it. (unsplash)

UNESCO Proclaimed September 8: Following the Tehran conference, UNESCO formally proclaimed September 8 as International Literacy Day during its 14th General Conference in 1966. The decision established a dedicated day to draw international attention to literacy and encourage stronger efforts to combat illiteracy. (unesco research library)

Literacy Became a Global Priority: Over the following decades, International Literacy Day became an opportunity for governments, educators and organisations to promote literacy programmes and recognise achievements. UNESCO increasingly presented literacy not simply as the ability to read and write, but as a foundation for acquiring wider knowledge, skills and opportunities. (unsplash)

The First Celebration Was in 1967: The first International Literacy Day was celebrated in 1967. At UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the occasion included an awards ceremony recognising outstanding literacy work. More than 70 countries also marked the day, showing that the campaign had already gained broad international support. (wikimedia commons)

The Meaning of Literacy Has Evolved: The idea of literacy has expanded considerably since the 1960s. Alongside basic reading and writing, today's literacy agenda includes lifelong learning and the ability to navigate an increasingly digital and information-driven world. UNESCO stresses that literacy helps people enjoy other rights, gain greater freedoms and participate more fully in society.(official unesco website)

60 Years of International Literacy Day: In 2026, International Literacy Day marks its 60th anniversary. UNESCO is celebrating under the theme “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity”, while also highlighting the challenges that remain: at least 739 million young people and adults worldwide still lacked basic literacy skills in 2024. The anniversary therefore looks both at six decades of progress and at the work still needed to achieve literacy for all. (unsplash)