ISLAMABAD, September 8, 2026: The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, in partnership with UNESCO, the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), UNICEF and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), marked the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad.<\/p>\n
Held under the theme \u201cLiteracy for People, the Planet and Prosperity\u201d, the event was organised by NCHD with support from UNESCO, UNICEF and JICA.<\/p>\n
More than 200 representatives from the federal and provincial governments, United Nations agencies, development partners and academia attended the gathering. The participants reviewed progress made in literacy during the past six decades and discussed ways to strengthen literacy as a tool for expanding opportunities, supporting sustainable development and promoting inclusive prosperity.<\/p>\n
The 2026 theme highlighted the role of literacy in improving lives, building inclusive and sustainable societies, and creating livelihood and economic development opportunities. The anniversary also provided an occasion to recognise achievements in literacy, assess continuing challenges and underline the partnerships needed to advance literacy for all.<\/p>\n
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui addressed the event along with UNESCO Representative in Pakistan and Head of Office Fuad Pashayev, UNICEF Deputy Representative \u2013 Programmes Sharmeela Rassool, JICA Pakistan Office Deputy Chief Takayuki Sugawara, and MNA and NCHD Chairman Iftikhar Sadiq.<\/p>\n
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui reaffirmed the ministry\u2019s commitment to joint efforts for tackling the issues of out-of-school children and illiteracy. He said efforts would continue to ensure that no child, young person or adult was left behind.<\/p>\n
Fuad Pashayev described literacy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiteracy 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Takayuki Sugawara reiterated JICA\u2019s longstanding commitment to literacy and non-formal education in Pakistan. He stressed the need for continued collaboration to widen quality learning opportunities for out-of-school children, youth and adults. He also highlighted JICA\u2019s support through the Advancing Quality Alternative Learning (AQAL) Project, which works with federal and provincial governments and other partners to improve access to quality alternative learning opportunities.<\/p>\n
NCHD Chairman Iftikhar Sadiq said the commission had made a longstanding contribution to literacy and non-formal education and was playing a national lead role in expanding learning opportunities for underserved communities.<\/p>\n
He said that over the past two decades, NCHD had 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. He said the focus had particularly remained on women, rural populations and marginalised communities. He also referred to NCHD\u2019s work on localised learning materials, teacher training and grassroots partnerships to expand learning opportunities and transform lives.<\/p>\n
UNICEF Deputy Representative \u2013 Programmes Sharmeela Rassool called for placing literacy and foundational learning at the centre of education reform.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiteracy 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She emphasised greater investment in teachers, quality learning environments and approaches that effectively reach underserved children. Such efforts, she said, were essential to ensure that every child had the opportunity to learn, thrive and realise their full potential.<\/p>\n
A major feature of the event was the launch of the \u201cEach One, Teach One\u201d mobile application developed by NCHD. The app has been designed to promote literacy through digital technology, make literacy learning more accessible and strengthen community-based literacy initiatives by using digital tools.<\/p>\n
The Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training attended the ceremony as chief guest and reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan\u2019s commitment to strengthening literacy and lifelong learning opportunities across the country.<\/p>\n
Participants underlined the need for sustained investment, stronger partnerships and innovative approaches to ensure that literacy and foundational learning reach all sections of society, particularly underserved children, youth and adults.<\/p>\n
International Literacy Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966 and first observed in 1967. It is marked every year on September 8 to draw attention to literacy as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable societies.<\/p>\n
The Islamabad observance of the 60th anniversary reaffirmed the importance of collective action by the Government of Pakistan, UN agencies, development partners and academia to promote literacy and expand learning opportunities across Pakistan.<\/p>\n
The global celebration of the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day is being held on September 8 and 9, 2026, in collaboration with the Government of Mexico.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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