The Government of Pakistan, through the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, in collaboration with UNESCO, the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), UNICEF and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), commemorated the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day (ILD) at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, under the theme “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity.” The event was organized by NCHD with the support of UNESCO, UNICEF and JICA.
The event brought together more than 200 representatives from federal and provincial governments, United Nations agencies, development partners and academia to reflect on progress made in literacy over the past six decades and deliberate on ways to strengthen literacy as a means of creating better opportunities for individuals, promoting sustainable development and contributing to inclusive prosperity.
The 2026 theme, “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity,” highlights the transformative role of literacy in improving people’s lives, fostering inclusive and sustainable societies, and creating opportunities for livelihoods and economic development. The 60th anniversary also provided an opportunity to recognize achievements in literacy while taking stock of the challenges that persist and the partnerships required to advance literacy for all.
The event was addressed by Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training; Fuad Pashayev, UNESCO Representative in Pakistan and Head of Office; Ms. Sharmeela Rassool, Deputy Representative – Programmes, UNICEF; Takayuki Sugawara, Deputy Chief, JICA Pakistan Office; and Mr. Iftikhar Sadiq, MNA and Chairman, National Commission for Human Development (NCHD).
Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the challenges of out-of-school children and illiteracy and ensuring that no child, young person or adult is left behind.
Fuad Pashayev, UNESCO Representative in Pakistan and Head of Office, underscored the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development.
“Literacy is far more than the ability to read and write; it is a fundamental human right and a powerful foundation for dignity, opportunity and sustainable development. As we mark the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day, we must renew our collective commitment to ensuring that every child acquires foundational skills, every out-of-school child is brought into learning, and every young person and adult has opportunities to learn throughout life. UNESCO remains committed to working with the Government of Pakistan and partners to advance literacy for people, the planet and prosperity,” he said.
Takayuki Sugawara, Deputy Chief, JICA Pakistan Office, reaffirmed JICA’s longstanding commitment to strengthening literacy and non-formal education in Pakistan. He underscored the importance of continued collaboration to expand quality learning opportunities for out-of-school children, youth and adults. He highlighted JICA’s support through the Advancing Quality Alternative Learning (AQAL) Project, which works closely with federal and provincial governments and other partners to expand access to quality alternative learning opportunities.
Mr. Iftikhar Sadiq, MNA and Chairman, National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), highlighted NCHD’s longstanding contribution to literacy and non-formal education and emphasized its role as a national lead agency in expanding access to learning opportunities for underserved communities.
He noted that, over the past two decades, NCHD has worked to bridge the gap between policy and community needs through its network of community-based Adult Literacy Centers and Non-Formal Basic Education Schools, with particular emphasis on women, rural populations and marginalized communities. He also highlighted NCHD’s efforts to develop localized learning materials, train teachers and strengthen grassroots partnerships to expand learning opportunities and transform lives.
Ms. Sharmeela Rassool, Deputy Representative – Programmes, UNICEF, underscored the importance of placing literacy and foundational learning at the heart of education reform.
“Literacy is one of the most powerful foundations we can give every child, equipping them with the skills they need to learn, participate in their communities and shape their futures. Yet too many children in Pakistan are still not acquiring the foundational skills they need to succeed,” she said.
She further emphasized the need to place literacy and foundational learning at the centre of education reform, calling for greater investment in teachers, quality learning environments and approaches that effectively reach underserved children. She stressed that such efforts are essential to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive and realize their full potential.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the “Each One, Teach One” mobile application, developed by NCHD to promote literacy through digital technology. The application is designed to make literacy learning more accessible and strengthen community-based literacy initiatives by leveraging digital tools.
The event was attended by the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training as Chief Guest, who reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening literacy and lifelong learning opportunities across the country. Participants emphasized the need for sustained investment, stronger partnerships and innovative approaches to ensure that literacy and foundational learning reach all segments of society, particularly children, youth and adults who remain underserved.
International Literacy Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966 and was first celebrated in 1967. It is observed annually on September 8 to highlight the importance of literacy as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable societies. The 60th anniversary observance in Islamabad reaffirmed the importance of collective action among the Government of Pakistan, United Nations agencies, development partners and academia to advance literacy and expand learning opportunities across the country.
The global celebration of the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day is being held on September 8–9, 2026, in collaboration with the Government of Mexico.
