Advancing inclusive education in a digital world

Today, UNESCO marks International Literacy Day under the theme “Promoting literacy in the digital era.” A global conference at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris is spotlighting how digital transformation can expand inclusive learning while also exposing risks of inequality.

Despite progress, 739 million adults and young people still lack basic literacy skills in 2024, two-thirds of them women, concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and Central & Southern Asia. Adult literacy has risen from 86% in 2015 to 88% in 2024, while youth literacy reached 93%. Yet disparities persist, with six in ten illiterate adults living in just two regions.

In the digital age, literacy extends beyond reading and writing to include digital access, understanding, and critical thinking. But while 93% of people in high-income countries use the internet, only 27% in low-income countries do. Many schools still lack electricity or connectivity, leaving millions doubly marginalized.

UNESCO warns that without robust literacy skills, communities risk exclusion, misinformation, and over-dependence on technology. Ethical concerns—such as privacy, bias, and sustainability—underscore the need for inclusive, human-centered policies.

Key priorities include:

1. Expanding digital literacy alongside traditional skills.

2. Closing infrastructure and access gaps.

3. Training educators in digital pedagogy.

4. Prioritizing equity for women, marginalized groups, and persons with disabilities.

5. Integrating digital tools ethically and responsibly.

Literacy remains a universal right and a foundation for justice, peace, and sustainable societies. As UNESCO leads dialogue on digital learning, the call is clear: literacy must evolve to include everyone in the digital era. 

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