To celebrate International Literacy Day on September 8, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) released new literacy data showing remarkable improvement among youth in terms of reading and writing skills and a steady reduction in gender gaps. Fifty years ago, almost 25% of youth lacked basic literacy skills compared to less than 10% in 2016. However, 750 million adults, including 102 million youth, remain illiterate and two-thirds are women.

Today we think about the millions of children and adults around the world who haven't been able to learn to read and write. In low-income countries, 1 in 4 children in low-income countries cannot read or write a basic sentence. Literacy is key to make our world more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous for all. Let’s fund education and shape the future for all children.