Today It’s More Important to Invest in Literacy than Ever Before

International Literacy Day 2012In the lead up to International Literacy Day, observed on 8 September, we recorded a short video message by UNESCO Special Envoy on Literacy for Development, H.R.H. Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands.

In the below video, she outlines three reasons why raising awareness of literacy issues is so important.

Firstly, the shocking numbers indicate that nearly 800 million people around the globe struggle with reading and writing.

Secondly, in the digital age, dominated by the written word, it’s more important to invest in literacy than ever before.

Finally, investing in literacy makes economic sense as reading and writing skills are necessary for innovation and knowledge, which in turn form the basis for smart growth, development and jobs.

cinema32x32 DbluePrincess Laurentien, UNESCO Special Envoy on Literacy for Development: “In the European Union alone, one in five Europeans, children as well as adults, have difficulties reading and writing.”

Tagged under