International Literacy Day 2025: The history and significance of a day that reshaped global education

The world observes International Literacy Day 2025 on September 8, and so on this day the focus once again shifts to one of humanity’s most powerful tools for change: the ability to read and write.

Beyond the symbolism of the day lies a reminder that literacy is not merely about alphabets: it is about dignity, opportunity, and freedom.

International Literacy Day was first proclaimed in 1966 by UNESCO, with the idea of making literacy a global priority. The following year, in 1967, the world observed the day for the first time. At the time, more than half the world’s population was illiterate, and the challenge was seen as one of the defining barriers to development.

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Over the decades, the day has evolved into a platform to assess global progress, confront persisting challenges, and reaffirm commitments. While literacy rates have climbed worldwide, UNESCO notes that over 86% of the global population today can read and write; but hundreds of millions are still left behind, particularly women and marginalized communities.

Why literacy is more than just letters

Literacy has always been at the heart of human progress. It empowers people to access knowledge, exercise their rights, and make informed decisions. For children, it means the foundation of lifelong learning.

For adults, it can mean a chance to break cycles of poverty, secure livelihoods, and participate fully in society.

Yet, the challenges in 2025 remain daunting. Digital literacy has emerged as a new frontier: the pandemic years exposed how lack of internet access and technological skills left millions excluded from education.

At the same time, conflict, displacement, and economic inequality continue to widen literacy gaps, especially in developing nations.

The significance of the 2025 observance

This year, International Literacy Day comes with a sharp focus on “Literacy for a Transforming World”, a theme that resonates in a time of rapid technological, social, and economic change.

As artificial intelligence and automation reshape jobs, basic literacy alone is not enough—functional, digital, and financial literacy are now critical to survival in a modern economy.

Governments, educators, and activists are using the day to call for policies that expand not just access to education, but also the quality of it. Grassroots campaigns, book donation drives, and digital inclusion programs are being highlighted worldwide.

International Literacy Day is not only a celebration of progress made, but also a call to address persisting inequalities. Literacy, UNESCO often says, is a “human right and the foundation of learning.” Without it, sustainable development goals—from gender equality to poverty eradication—remain distant dreams.

In 2025, the day carries the weight of unfinished work. For every child still out of school, every adult denied the chance to learn, and every community excluded from the digital world, the message is urgent: literacy is not a privilege. It is the key that unlocks futures.