UNESCO Regional Center joins global literacy conference in Mexico

The UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education participated in a global conference in Chiapas, Mexico, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day. Held on September 8 and 9, the event was organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Mexican government under the theme ‘Literacy for People, Planet, and Prosperity.’

Representing the Center, Assistant Director General Dr. Fatima bint Ibrahim Al-Ruways addressed the evolution of literacy, noting that it now encompasses digital skills, data literacy, artificial intelligence, critical thinking, and environmental literacy. Dr. Al-Ruways proposed the establishment of a ‘Global Laboratory for Future Literacy Skills’ to develop a shared competency framework, particularly for fragile environments affected by climate change.

The Center also participated in the annual meeting of the Global Alliance for Literacy, expressing support for the 2026–2030 action plan. On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Al-Ruways held meetings with officials from Mexico, Mali, Gabon, and Madagascar to discuss cooperation in education quality, digital transformation, and the empowerment of women and youth in rural communities.