From April 6-9, 2025, 800 delegates from 85 countries will converge in Oxford, England, for the World Literacy Summit (WLS), with this year’s theme being “Bridging Literacies – Connecting Worlds.” The summit will address the global literacy crisis, and participants will explore emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to improve literacy outcomes.
The World Literacy Foundation will organize the event, which will bring together a diverse group of experts, including educators, researchers, policymakers, literacy entrepreneurs, and publishers, all working toward a common goal: overcoming the barriers to literacy that affects millions worldwide.
The summit will also focus on the socio-economic impact of illiteracy. Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, noted the far-reaching consequences, even in developed countries. “In the UK alone, 10 million people struggle to read. Addressing this issue is vital for global development,” Kay said.
Discussions will center around innovative approaches to literacy education, including how digital technologies can support the 770 million people worldwide who are illiterate. The summit aims to foster collaboration and share best practices for improving literacy rates globally.
At Reader Bee, we are passionate about tackling childhood literacy. We applaud the work taking place at the World Literacy Summit. The summit’s focus on the socio-economic impact of illiteracy aligns with our mission to give children the tools they need to become confident readers. By working together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to read and thrive.
