Source: World Literacy Foundation
8 September | International Literacy Day
AUSTRALIA — 4 September 2026
International Literacy Day should be a celebration of progress. However, for millions of children worldwide, it serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing literacy challenges that threaten their futures. This year marks 60 years since UNESCO established this day, and the theme for 2026 is “Literacy for People, the Planet, and Prosperity.”
The World Literacy Foundation is urging governments, organisations, and individuals to acknowledge literacy as one of the most pressing social and economic challenges confronting communities worldwide.
Australia is not exempt from the global literacy crisis. This year’s NAPLAN results showed a decline in reading scores for students in Years 5, 7, and 9, while the gap in performance based on location remains largely unchanged. Approximately 70 per cent of students in major city schools meet or exceed the expected reading standard, in stark contrast to only 23 per cent of students in very remote schools.
“Literacy is not simply about learning to read; it is about unlocking opportunities, reducing poverty, and enabling children to reach their full potential. Yet millions of young people still lack access to books and literacy support,” World Literacy Foundation CEO Andrew Kay stated.
Research consistently highlights the extensive consequences of low literacy, which contribute to unemployment, diminished workforce participation, lower productivity, and heightened social disadvantage.
Among the key concerns:
- The 2026 NAPLAN results revealed a decline in reading scores for students in Years 5, 7, and 9, with approximately one in ten Australian students requiring additional support (ACARA).
- Around 70 per cent of students in major city schools in Australia read at or above the expected standard, compared to just 23 per cent in very remote schools (ACARA, NAPLAN 2026).
- Globally, 739 million adults are unable to read or write (UNESCO Institute for Statistics).
- In low- and middle-income countries, 70 per cent of 10-year-olds cannot read and comprehend a simple written text, an increase from 57 per cent before the pandemic (World Bank, UNESCO, and UNICEF).
- As a result, today’s students are projected to lose a combined total of $21 trillion in lifetime earnings, which is equivalent to 17 per cent of global GDP (World Bank, UNESCO, and UNICEF).
To commemorate the occasion, the World Literacy Foundation has launched the initiative “One Book at a Time”, encouraging people worldwide to donate $10 to provide a book to a child who does not own one.
“Receiving a book of their own can have a life-changing impact for many children,” stated Mr Kay. “A single book can ignite a lifelong passion for reading.”
The Foundation aims to reach 500,000 children who currently do not have any books, allowing donors to select the region to which their books will be sent.