International Literacy Day: Literacy and Peace

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MANILA, Philippines - Adopted in 1965 by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Literacy Day was first celebrated on September 8, 1966. Since then, the day has been observed annually, each year with a different focus.

It has become a special occasion to heighten literacy awareness and draw attention to educational programs that can increase literacy rates worldwide. In 1990, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the years as International Literacy Year, "marking the ongoing commitment of the world community to boost and support literacy as a key to personal progress and to the socio-economic development of …