Literacy and education for democracy: essential milestones to advance the SDGs during and beyond COVID-19

New York: On 8 October 2020, UNESCO presented the UN Secretary-General’s report on Literacy for life, work, lifelong learning and education for democracy at the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.

Addressing the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly during a virtual meeting, Ms Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, presented the UN Secretary-General’s report entitled Literacy for life, work, lifelong learning and education for democracy.

The report identifies the progress made on literacy, with a particular focus on young people and adults. Set against the largest disruption of education, as described by the UN Secretary-General in his policy brief, the report provides recommendations for the further promotion of literacy as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Reviewing the global trends in the field of education for democracy as requested by the General Assembly resolution 73/134  the report also contains information on major efforts being made by Member States, the United Nations system and relevant stakeholders in addressing the subject and the intrinsic relationship of the subject to human rights and fundamental freedoms.

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Further information

UN Secretary-General’s report Literacy for life, work, lifelong learning and education for democracy

Global Alliance for Literacy