To address this challenge, UNESCO and its Member States are redoubling their efforts, as exemplified by the Marrakech Framework for Action and the Transforming Education Summit, which emphasize adult education, inclusivity, digital literacy, and increased investment in education.

International Literacy Day (ILD) 2023 - celebrated worldwide under the theme, ‘Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies’ - aims to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) on education and lifelong learning. It underscores the role of literacy in creating inclusive, peaceful, just, and sustainable societies and recognizes the reciprocal relationship between literacy and development.

On this occasion, UNESCO Cairo Office, in partnership with the Adult Education Authority and the Regional Centre for Adult Education Sirs El Layyan, celebrated ILD 2023 in Egypt on 5 September 2023 under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Education and Technical Education. The event highlighted Egypt's efforts, including the development of a national Lifelong Learning Strategy and participation in the Global Education Coalition and Global Alliance for Literacy initiative. UNESCO Cairo actively supports Egypt in shaping its lifelong learning strategy and introduced the "Women, Family & Community" initiative to empower Egyptian women through education, gender equality, and sustainable development. You can access information about the event here.

At the global level, a conference was held in Paris, France, on September 8, 2023, featuring the award ceremony for the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes, as well as other events celebrated worldwide.

You can read the UNESCO Director General's message on International Literacy Day on the following link: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000382510/PDF/382510eng.pdf.multi.

Just one day after celebrating literacy, we mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack on September 9th. This day recognizes the importance of raising awareness of the dire need to preserve education and protect it from attack, and underscores the critical link between education and SDG 16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.