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

International Literacy Day is an international observance, celebrated each year on 8 September, that was declared by UNESCO on 26 October 1966 at the 14th session of UNESCO's General Conference.

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International Literacy Day

Every year on September 8, International Literacy Day is observed to raise awareness of the value of literacy for a society that values literacy and is sustainable. The day is observed globally at the national, regional, and municipal levels by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

International Literacy Day 2023 Overview

People are reminded of the value of literacy for themselves, their communities, and their countries by means of International Literacy Day. Every year, a special and noteworthy theme is used to commemorate the day, which emphasizes the conditions that must be met in order to contribute to the development of more literate society worldwide.

Event	International Literacy Day 2023
International Literacy Day 2023 Date	September 8, 2023
Day	Friday
Declared by	UNESCO
Purpose	To raise awareness of the importance of literacy

International Literacy Day 2023 Theme

‘Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies’ is the theme. Literacy Day 2023 will be observed globally, regionally, nationally, and locally around the world under this topic. On Friday, September 8, 2023, a conference will be held both physically and virtually in Paris, France. The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes will be awarded as part of this worldwide event, revealing this year’s outstanding prizewinning activities.

International Literacy Day 2023 Significance

According to UNESCO, there are about 770 million individuals who are considered illiterate worldwide. According to the definition, these people are unable to read or write in at least one language. Nearly half of the people in this statistic are adults and women make up the vast majority of them.

With poverty and illiteracy frequently being associated problems and the public education system in these places not being adequately supported to meet the national education load, several low-income countries in Africa have literacy rates that are less than 45 percent. According to UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring report, governments must shoulder a higher portion of the cost of educating children and must view the educational system as a whole in order to completely eliminate illiteracy.

International Literacy Day 2023 History

The inaugural International Literacy Day was observed in 1967 after the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) established it during the 14th session of its General Conference in 1966. UNESCO established International Literacy Day on October 26, 1966, during the 14th session of the organization’s general assembly; it was first observed in 1967. The goal of this day is to underline the importance of literacy for individuals, communities, and society as a whole because it leads to an educated and productive society.

International Literacy Day 2023 FAQs

What is the theme for the 2023 International Literacy Day?

UNESCO will celebrate International Literacy Day (ILD) on 8 September 2023 under the theme 'Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies'.

What is 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.

What is the theme of International Literacy Day 2023?

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

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.