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
Financing Models for Literacy and Non-Formal Education in West Africa
Theme: Financing Models for Literacy and Non-Formal Education in West Africa
Presenter: Ms. Eleonore Ouedraogo
Date: October 28, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM GMT (Mali and Togo Time)
Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/53IRrjpZRByIGMcMd4bmyw
Webinar: 'Exploring learning through culture: Leveraging the arts to empower cities'
You are warmly invited to the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities' Webinar: ‘Exploring learning through culture: Leveraging the arts to empower cities’ on 15 October 2025. This event is part of our global webinar series, ‘Unlocking the power of lifelong learning’, bringing together stakeholders from across the globe on the first and third Wednesday of every month.
This webinar will focus on culture and the arts as powerful vehicles for promoting lifelong learning in cities. Creative processes, whether they are related to the visual arts, music, dance or theatre, can foster new ways of thinking, personal growth and self-expression. These activities not only enhance cognitive abilities but also inspire individuals to see the world in a different way, encouraging innovative and outside-the-box thinking. Artistic interventions in urban spaces can transform city environments, offering opportunities to reconnect with local cultural heritage and forge stronger community bonds.
This webinar will delve into the potential of culture and artistic practices to shape urban learning experiences. Speakers will consider how cultural institutions and public art initiatives make culture-based learning accessible to diverse audiences. They will discuss strategies for integrating the arts into urban education policies. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how cultural initiatives can be designed to enhance educational inclusion, engagement and empowerment across diverse communities.
Time
15 October 2025, 13:00 to 14:00 (CEST)