Laos Marks 60th International Literacy Day, Emphasizing Education's Role

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thongsalith Mangnomek, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, has issued a statement marking the 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day, observed on September 8, 2026. The statement notes that UNESCO declared September 8 as International Literacy Day in 1966. The 60th anniversary marks an important milestone in global efforts to promote the fundamental right to education and advance social equality. This year’s observance is held under the theme “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.” The theme highlights that literacy is not only a foundation for personal development, but also an important pillar of environmental protection, peacebuilding and sustainable shared prosperity. Over the past six decades, global literacy efforts have made significant progress. However, more than 739 million adults and young people worldwide still lack basic literacy skills, 63% of whom are women. At the same time, rapid advances in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping societies and economies. In this changing environment, literacy extends beyond reading, writing and basic numeracy. It also includes digital and AI literacy, enabling people to use technology safely and creatively, as well as information literacy, financial literacy, vocational skills and green competencies. The statement also emphasises the importance of lifelong learning, enabling citizens to adapt to global changes, develop new skills, create added value and contribute to sustainable development. In separate news, the Australian Government formally handed over the fully updated English for Lao Government Officials (ELGO) curriculum to Lao Government partners, marking an important milestone in Australia’s longstanding support for boosting English language capacity across the Lao Government. The Thai Cabinet approved financial assistance totalling 1,783 million baht for the Lao PDR to support construction of a new Mekong River bridge linking Ban Xieng Maen in Chomphet District, Luang Prabang Province, with Luang Prabang. Road accidents claimed 53 lives across Laos in August 2026, according to figures from the Traffic Police Department, although the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities declined compared with the previous period. Authorities and residents have been urged to closely monitor pig populations following the deaths of an entire herd of domestic pigs in Phialat Village, Sangthong District, Vientiane. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is fully prepared to assume the presidency and host the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC-CCM), with preparations for the high-level international event nearing completion. Source: KPL Laos News