The Arab world commemorates Arab Literacy Day annually on 8 January, providing an important occasion to address the persistent challenge of illiteracy, which continues to hinder Arab efforts towards progress and development. This day affirms the urgent need to unify Arab efforts to eradicate illiteracy, calling for concerted national, regional, and international collaboration, alongside the adoption of innovative and unconventional strategies to tackle this issue comprehensively.
Marking this occasion, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States is organising an event under the theme: "The Future of Adult Education and Learning in Egypt and the Arab World." The event is scheduled for 14 January at the headquarters of the General Secretariat, in coordination with the General Authority for Literacy and Adult Education in the Arab Republic of Egypt. Egypt, as the pioneer behind the Arab Decade for Literacy, played a central role in launching this initiative, which was endorsed by the Arab Summit during its 25th session in Kuwait in 2014. The initiative declared the decade from 2015 to 2024 as a period dedicated to eradicating illiteracy across the Arab world, with a strategic programme aimed at eliminating this challenge within ten years.
Over the past nine years, the General Secretariat, in collaboration with Arab countries, regional and international organisations, and civil society entities, has convened nine meetings aimed at addressing this critical issue. The focus extended beyond eradicating basic alphabetical illiteracy and mastering reading and writing skills. It encompassed the broader goals of eliminating digital and cultural illiteracy to pave the way for building a knowledge-based society and fostering innovative practices that benefit all.
The event features dialogue sessions with university professors and experts specialising in adult education, centred around the celebration's theme: "The Future of Adult Education and Learning in Egypt and the Arab World." The discussions underscore the importance of expanding the concept of literacy beyond traditional alphabetical literacy to include digital literacy, reflecting the evolving needs of the modern world.
The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States recognises the significant strides in adult education in the Arab world, driven by rapid technological and social transformations. In an era of technological advancement, digital tools and e-learning have emerged as fundamental components of adult education, offering individuals convenient access to knowledge and skills. This development not only reduces the generational educational divide but also aligns with future trends where lifelong learning becomes a cornerstone of personal and professional growth. Whether through vocational training programmes or university courses, continuing education is set to play a critical role in equipping individuals with the skills and adaptability required to meet the demands of an ever-evolving labour market.
The General Secretariat reaffirms its commitment to combating illiteracy in all its forms and renews its call for unified action among Arab nations, regional stakeholders, and international organisations. Addressing illiteracy, the most significant barrier to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, requires joint efforts and innovative strategies to empower individuals and foster progress across the Arab world.