"Literacy and sustainable societies"

Being one of the fundamental human rights and the foundations for lifelong learning, literacy is considered to be a key driver for sustainable development. Literacy skills are the prerequisite for the learning of a broader set of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, required for creating sustainable societies. At the same time, progress in areas of sustainable development, such as health and agriculture, serves as an enabling factor in the promotion of literacy and literate environments. Like previous years, UNESCO is globally celebrating International Literacy Day 2015 on September 8. The theme of International Literacy Day 2015 is 'Literacy and Sustainable Societies'. 

This year's celebration of International Literacy Day is dedicated to exploring critical links and synergy between literacy and the future Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which will be adopted during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015. 

This event marks the 50th anniversary of the World Congress of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy (Islamic Republic of Iran, 1965), which made the Tehran recommendation on the proclamation of the International Literacy Day and advanced the notion of functional literacy.

To observe the day, a special event has been organized at UNESCO Headquarters in the presence of the Director-General of UNESCO. It intends to prepare the ground for literacy action in the post-2015 era, in particular: a) key issues to be addressed in light of the Education 2030 Framework for Action discussed at the World Education Forum 2015 (Incheon, Republic of Korea, 19-22 May 2015) for adoption at the 38th session of UNESCO's General Conference, b) monitoring of literacy progress, and c) effective global coordination to ensure sustained and coordinated efforts for literacy.

International Literacy Day 2015 is being celebrated worldwide, bringing together governments, multi-and bi-lateral organizations, NGOs, the private sectors, communities, teachers, learners and experts.

Complied by Law Desk (Source: UNESCO.ORG)