International Literacy Day Timeline

2017

Literacy in a digital world

International Literacy Day turns its focus toward the literacy skills necessary to navigate digital-mediated societies.

2015

The Incheon Declaration

The UN’s “Sustainable Development Goals” are adopted by world leaders at the “World Education Forum” held in Incheon, Republic of Korea, promoting universal access to quality education and learning opportunities throughout people’s lives.

1990

International Literacy Year

The critical role of literacy is highlighted at the “World Conference on Education for All” in Jomtien, Thailand.

1967

First International Literacy Day

Governments, schools and communities around the world participate in activities designed to focus on effective ways to end illiteracy at the local level.

1966

UNESCO declares September 8 International Literacy Day

UNESCO declares September 8 International Literacy Day “…to remind the international community of the importance of literacy for individuals, communities and societies, and the need for intensified efforts towards more literate societies.”

1965

International Literacy Day is conceived

Discussed at the “World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy,” held in Tehran, Iran.