Since its creation, UNESCO has played a lead role in promoting literacy and affirming its vital importance as a human right. But addressing the global literacy challenge remains difficult.

The United Nations Literacy Decade and the LIFE initiative offer a framework for UNESCO to advocate for literacy.

UNESCO’s advocacy strategy is based on major initiatives and partnerships with governments, NGOs, international agencies, and many other partners. A major annual occasion for advocacy is International Literacy Day (8 September), on which UNESCO organizes key events around the world and organizes the UNESCO International Literacy Prize ceremony..

UNESCO also advocates for literacy through the humanitarian commitment and strong support of the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors.