The UN’s top envoy in Afghanistan on Monday called for inclusive access to education for all Afghans, especially women and girls, as the world marked International Literacy Day.
“Books are not only a source of knowledge, but also a pathway to lasting prosperity,” said Roza Otunbayeva, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). She emphasized that ensuring equal access to learning is essential to the country’s future.
UNAMA marked the day by celebrating Afghanistan’s rich literary heritage and stressing the importance of protecting education opportunities at a time when girls are barred from secondary schools and universities under Taliban rule.
UNESCO, which has led the annual observance since 1967, said literacy today goes beyond reading and writing on paper. “It means navigating a world shaped by digital information, platforms and algorithms. Let’s invest in digital literacy for every learner, everywhere,” the agency said in a statement.
The wider UN also underscored the scale of the global challenge. “Learning how to read and write should be a significant milestone for everyone. Yet, 739 million adults and young people worldwide still lack basic literacy skills,” the UN said in a post marking the day.
Since 1967, International Literacy Day has been observed annually on Sept. 8 to highlight the importance of reading and writing as a foundation for personal freedom, equality and sustainable development. Despite global progress, the UN says at least 739 million youth and adults still lack basic literacy skills.
