UNESCO has been working to realize the vision of literacy for all since 1946 in the belief that acquiring and improving literacy skills throughout life is an intrinsic part of the right to education and brings with it huge empowerment and benefits. But despite progress globally, 739 million adults (UIS, 2025) still cannot read and write. Literacy drives sustainable development, enables greater participation in the labour market, improves child and family health and nutrition, reduces poverty and expands life opportunities. UNESCO’s approach to literacy continues to evolve as the definition of what it means to be literate changes in an increasingly digitalized world.