Fuad Pashayev
On the historic 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day, celebrated under the global theme “Literacy for people, the planet, and prosperity,” UNESCO reaffirms that literacy is not only a fundamental human right, but also a powerful driver of human dignity, and shared prosperity.
As UNESCO Representative to Pakistan, I remain deeply concerned by the pervasive educational access gap across the country. Pakistan’s literacy rate stands at 63% among the population aged 10 years and above, while an estimated 25.15 million children aged 5–16 remain out of school. Together, these challenges represent a profound loss of human potential that stifles economic growth, deepens gender inequality, and restricts community resilience.
In light of these structural challenges, it is reassuring to see the Government of Pakistan confronting the challenge directly. The declaration of a National Education Emergency and the rollout of the nationwide “Each One Teach One” initiative demonstrate the vital political resolve needed to mobilize youth civic engagement and extend foundational learning to marginalized communities.
UNESCO Pakistan is honored to work alongside the Government of Pakistan as a key partner in advancing the shared vision outlined in the Strategic Cooperation Roadmap (2026–2030), with a strong commitment to ensuring that education and literacy contribute meaningfully to the lives and aspirations of all people.
In today’s rapidly evolving and interconnected world, literacy extends beyond the ability to read and write. It encompasses the knowledge, skills and competencies that enable individuals to participate fully and confidently in society. This includes media and information literacy, environmental awareness, appreciation of cultural heritage, and the ability to engage safely and responsibly in digital spaces. Strengthening these dimensions of literacy can empower individuals and communities to make informed choices, contribute to sustainable economic and social development, protect their environment and cultural heritage, and build more inclusive and resilient societies.
UNESCO actively translates this holistic mandate into meaningful interventions across Pakistan. Through targeted enrollment drives for out-of-school children, we support federal and local authorities in expanding non-formal education networks and integrating comprehensive tracking systems. In isolated, mountainous regions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan, our radio-based distance learning initiatives broadcast interactive instruction in climate resilience, global citizenship, and cultural heritage, directly into hard-to-reach households. Simultaneously, by linking girls’ education with cultural heritage preservation in Chitral and advancing Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and digital governance frameworks nationwide, UNESCO ensures that literacy serves as a dynamic engine for long-term peace, equity and prosperity.
Literacy transforms lives and secures our shared future. UNESCO remains steadfastly committed to walking alongside Pakistan to build a fully literate and empowered nation.
