Nairobi, Sept. 9 -- The International Literacy Day, observed annually on September 8, provides an important opportunity for the world to reflect on the meaning, purpose and transformative power of literacy.

As the world marks its 60th anniversary, the theme "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity" reminds us that literacy is not merely the ability to read and write. It is ultimately about empowering people to understand their world, participate meaningfully in society, solve problems, make informed decisions and contribute to sustainable development.

In the twenty-first century, literacy has expanded beyond traditional reading and writing to include digital, financial, health, environmental, media, information and civic literacy...