International Literacy Day 2025: Date, History, Significance, and Theme
International Literacy Day 2025 is celebrated on September 8. Know its history, significance, and this year’s theme — “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.”
International Literacy Day 2025 highlights the theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era” to address education challenges in a changing world.
Every year on September 8, the world observes International Literacy Day (ILD) to highlight the importance of literacy in achieving human dignity, equality, and sustainable development. The day, celebrated globally under the guidance of UNESCO and UNICEF, serves as a call to action for governments, communities, and organisations to strengthen efforts toward making literacy a universal right.
History of International Literacy Day
The initiative was first proclaimed by UNESCO on October 26, 1966, during its 14th General Conference. The first celebration took place in 1967, and since then, ILD has been observed annually to track progress, raise awareness, and push for action in bridging literacy gaps worldwide.
Why Is It Celebrated?
International Literacy Day not only stresses the role of literacy in lifelong learning but also sheds light on global challenges that hinder universal education. With an estimated 739 million young people and adults still lacking basic literacy skills, the day reinforces the need for effective policies, innovative teaching, and inclusive programmes.
International Literacy Day 2025 Theme
This year’s theme is “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.”
As digitalisation continues to transform how people learn, work, and interact, this theme encourages reflection on what literacy means today and how teaching methods, programmes, and policies must evolve.
While digital tools have opened new opportunities for marginalised groups, they also pose risks such as digital exclusion, surveillance, privacy concerns, reinforced biases, and environmental impacts. UNESCO and UNICEF stress that inclusive digital literacy is key to ensuring no one is left behind.
Looking Ahead
On International Literacy Day 2025, celebrations will take place at global, regional, national, and local levels, spotlighting successful interventions and policies. The focus will remain on literacy as a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for empowerment, transformation, and building inclusive societies.
