International Literacy Day
8 September 2022 — 9 September 2022, 12:00 - 15:00 | Abidjan
Meeting
International Literacy Day
8 September
Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.
Despite progress made, literacy challenges persist with at least 771 million young people and adults lacking basic literacy skills today.
Rapidly changing global context took a new meaning over the past years, hampering the progress of global literary efforts. In the aftermath of the pandemic, nearly 24 million learners might never return to formal education, out of which, 11 million are projected to be girls and young women. To ensure no one is left behind, we need to enrich and transform the existing learning spaces through an integrated approach and enable literacy learning in the perspective of lifelong learning.
This year's International Literacy Day will be celebrated worldwide under the theme, Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces and will be an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all.
At the global level, a two-day hybrid international event will be organized on 8 and 9 September 2022, in Côte d'Ivoire. The International Literacy Day global celebration lies at the heart of regional, country and local levels. As such, this year's outstanding programmes and literacy practices will be announced through the 2022 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes award ceremony.
Cost
FreeUpcoming events
Past events
MOJA Journal: The Role of Adult Learning and Education in Transforming Lives and Livelihoods
Join us for this webinar, where our MOJA Journal contributors will share insights on their articles: ‘Urban agriculture: A silent revolution’ and ‘From a quest for well-being to an entrepreneurial passion: My saffron learning journey’
- Presenters: Abdelhakim Zidi and Keltouma Adouane
- Date: 4 December 2025
- time: 14:00 -15:30 (SAST) / 12:00 – 13:30 (UTC)
English/French
Join UIL's November webinars!
14 November:
'Launch of the Greening Communities Guidance: Lifelong Learning for Climate and Sustainability Action'
Greening communities starts with learning!
By 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas, many already facing climate threats like extreme heat, flooding, and storms. Rural communities are also on the front lines, dealing with disrupted seasons and damaged ecosystems. The goodnews? Lifelong learning can empower communities everywhere to take climate action and build resilience.
Join us on 14 November 2025 for the launch of the Greening Communities Guidance publication, created by UIL and the World Organization of the Scout Movement under the Greening Education Partnership.
Discover core principles for green communities, minimum requirements and practical steps, tools and resources to turn learning into action.
Date and time
14 November 2025, 13:00 to 14:15 (CET)
19 November:
TVET Teachers and Lifelong Learning
Teachers are at the heart of lifelong learning systems. They not only enable individuals to reach their full potential, but also adapt to the rapid transformations of society, economies and labour markets. For Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teachers, this role is especially critical: by becoming lifelong learners and fostering lifelong learning capabilities, they prepare young people and adults alike to thrive in dynamic workplaces and to contribute to inclusive and sustainable societies.
To explore how policies and practices can support TVET teachers as both learners and facilitators of lifelong learning, join UIL and Shanghai Normal University for a webinar under the joint research project 'Teachers as Lifelong Learners'.
Date and time
19 November 2025, 13:00 to 14:00 (CET)
20 November:
The International Review of Education: 70 years of research in lifelong learning
The International Review of Education (IRE) is the longest-running journal of comparative education in the world. Founded in 1931 by Professor Friedrich Schneider of the University of Cologne, it has been published by UNESCO since 1955. In 2025, we mark 70 years of continuous publication.
IRE’s mission to foster understanding and cooperation in the field of education is more relevant than ever. It aims to publish the best new scholarship from around the world, while also influencing the development of policy and practice in the field of lifelong learning through evidence-based research.
Join us for this webinar as we celebrate the launch of the 70th anniversary special issue of the International Review of Education. This edition offers valuable insights into the evolution of lifelong learning and explores its significance for the future.
Date and Time
20 November 2025, 13:00 to 14:00 (CET)
Join the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning’s webinar series, where policymakers, experts and practitioners share insights and strategies to make lifelong learning a reality.