Symposium Overview

Literacy provides people the chance to enjoy individual freedoms and realize their full potential. Men and women who can read and write can participate more fully in their communities and can develop the skills they need to support themselves.

While progress has been made, global literacy remains a critical challenge that threatens the ability of countries and their citizens to take advantage of increasing globalization and its opportunities. Addressing this challenge requires a collective commitment from every country, at all levels of government, to invest in literacy and education for all citizens.

The White House Symposium on Advancing Global Literacy will underscore how literacy is linked to gainful employment, good health, and civic participation. The Symposium will provide a forum to discuss the outcomes of the six UNESCO Regional Literacy Conferences; highlight programs that can be replicated around the world with the support of local and national governments, civil society, and the private sector; and renew international commitments to promoting and sustaining global literacy efforts.

Regional Literacy Conferences

In September 2006, the White House Conference on Global Literacy (WHCGL) called on international leaders to galvanize support for literacy in their countries. As a result, UNESCO hosted six regional literacy conferences around the world to continue and expand the dialogue.

In the two years following the WHCGL, first ladies, literacy experts and policy makers convened regional conferences in Qatar, China, Mali, India, Azerbaijan, and Mexico. These conferences emphasized the need for more effective policies and programs to increase literacy rates worldwide. The conference presentations included intergenerational learning programs, health care initiatives to help adults care for themselves and their families, and basic skills training to help strengthen local economies. By exploring additional literacy opportunities, these conferences have led to increased investments in regional literacy efforts by global leaders and the expansion of individual freedoms.