World Literacy Summit

Ready to shape the future of literacy?
WLS 2027 is coming.
Save the Date.

It’s one year to go! Mark your calendars.
The World Literacy Summit 2027 is set to take place in Oxford, bringing together global literacy leaders, educators, and advocates to drive action for a more literate world.

Dates: 31 March -3 April, 2027
Location: Oxford, UK

We’re excited to build on the momentum from WLS 2025, and continue breaking barriers, sharing innovations, and shaping the future of literacy. Stay tuned for more details!

What topics would you love to see at ? Let us know in the comments!

With 35 years of leadership experience in education, including seven with the University System of Georgia, our Board Member Don Green brought his expertise to the World Literacy Foundation’s side event during the United Nations General Assembly.

As moderator and panelist, Don shared his own journey and powerful insights on Education and Literacy in the U.S., reminding us:

“Some think literacy struggles happen elsewhere… but 28% of U.S. adults score at or below Level 1 literacy, struggling with everyday reading. That’s why we must act now.”

Thank you, Don, for your leadership and for championing the urgency of literacy at home and abroad.

Today at the United Nations General Assembly, the World Literacy Foundation gathered 80+ national leaders in literacy at the Yale Club in New York for a powerful side event: “The State of the Union of Literacy in America.”

From inspiring talks by Andrew Fletcher, Susan Haskell, Pam Allyn, and Katie Egan Cunningham, to dynamic discussions with policymakers and advocates, the convening provided a unique forum to address the literacy crisis in the U.S. and chart a path forward.

The energy, collaboration, and commitment in the room remind us why this movement matters, and why we must continue building on the momentum of at Oxford.

Next week, during the United Nations General Assembly, the World Literacy Foundation will convene more than 80 national literacy leaders from across the United States for a landmark side event: “The State of the Union of Literacy in America. Featured speakers include:
-Andrew Fletcher – Director of Literacy, District 7 NYC
-Susan Haskell – Department of Youth and Community Development
-Pam Allyn – Executive Director, LitWorld
-Katie Egan Cunningham – Professor, Sacred Heart University

This is a rare opportunity to join policymakers, educators, and advocates in shaping the future of literacy in America. Together, we will exchange insights, foster collaboration, and strengthen our national response to the literacy crisis. The event builds on the momentum of in Oxford and is part of WLF’s broader global agenda, with a Middle East Literacy Summit in 2026 and the World Literacy Summit returning to the UK in 2027.

At WLF, we are committed to advancing literacy worldwide by uniting leaders, driving dialogue, and shaping solutions so that every child has the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive.

There is no cost to attend, but seating is limited. Please RSVP today to: [email protected]

It’s been 5 months since . What actions have you taken since then?

What have you done since World Literacy Summit 2025?
📍 Did you launch a new project?
📖 Start a book club?
🤝 Partner with someone you met at the event?
💡 Or simply change the way you think about literacy?

We know the spark of action often starts in the most unexpected ways. Let us know where your journey has taken you and inspire others to do the same.

Today, September 8th, we mark International Literacy Day, a moment to celebrate the extraordinary progress made over the past five decades. Thanks to improved literacy, millions of people worldwide have gained life-changing opportunities, empowerment, and a stronger voice in society.

Yet as we look ahead to 2025, the challenges remain urgent and profound. Illiteracy continues to hold back communities, threatening the hopes and well-being of individuals everywhere.

The numbers tell a sobering story:
- 773 million people worldwide cannot read or write.
- 2 billion people have only basic literacy skills, limiting their daily lives and future prospects.
- In low- and middle-income countries, 70% of 10-year-olds struggle to read even a single sentence.
- Reading for pleasure has fallen by 16% among children.
- 61% of children from low-income families do not own even one book.

The consequences are far-reaching. On an individual level, limited literacy restricts access to education, employment, health, and opportunity, locking families into cycles of disadvantage. Socially, low literacy weakens community engagement, fuels misinformation, and creates barriers to navigating essential health and government services. Economically, poor literacy drains billions from national economies and deepens reliance on social support systems.

On this International Literacy Day, let us not only celebrate how far we’ve come, but also renew our shared commitment to a future where every person, everywhere, has the power to read and write. Because literacy is more than a skill; it’s a lifeline, a human right, and the key to unlocking brighter futures for all.

Donate now: https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/international-literacy-day-2025-fundraiser/

The World Literacy Summit is hosting a special one-day program in New York City on September 26, held in parallel with the United Nations General Assembly.

This unique gathering will bring together leading literacy organizations, state Governors, and influential voices to spotlight the literacy challenges and opportunities across North America.

We’ll be sharing inspiring stories, new partnerships, and bold ideas that emerged from the World Literacy Summit and exploring what comes next.

📍 New York City
🗓️ September 26
By invitation only