To mark International Literacy Day 2026 and its 60th anniversary, UNESCO, in collaboration with the Government of Mexico, convened the Global Conference on “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity” in the State of Chiapas, Mexico, on 8 and 9 September 2026.
Held in San Cristóbal de Las Casas and San Juan Chamula in the State of Chiapas, characterized by its rich cultural and linguistic heritage, the two-day event aimed to reflect on six decades of progress in literacy and discuss how literacy can be reimagined and promoted to respond to the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.
At least 7,000 people attended the Opening Ceremony held in San Juan Chamula, including Ms Lidia Arthur Brito, UNESCO Deputy Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations, and H.E. Mr Eduardo Ramirez Aguilar, Governor of Chiapas, alongside eight other ministers and vice ministers of education from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Cambodia, Cuba, Gabon, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Madagascar, Mali, and Mexico, as well as representatives of other governments and development partners, such as international organizations, civil society, education institutions, researchers, educators, learners, and practitioners.
The Opening Session started with a cultural performance by Indigenous peoples. In parallel, high-level participants took part in cultural activities, including an Indigenous ceremony, a meeting with educators and learners of the Chiapas Puede literacy programme, and a visit to the Temple of Saint John the Baptist, highlighting the importance of embedding cultures, languages, and community knowledge in lifelong literacy learning.
In her opening remarks, Ms Lidia Arthur Brito highlighted “literacy is much more than a skill: it is the key that opens the door to the exercise of all other rights. At a time when our societies are undergoing profound transformations, our collective responsibility is to ensure that everyone can learn, develop and contribute to shaping their future. UNESCO will continue working with its Member States and partners to make this ambition a reality.”
