UK urged to support a new action plan to wipe out illiteracy by 2020

The World Literacy Foundation urged the UK to pledge support for the new Oxford Declaration, which aims to eradicate illiteracy by the year 2020. 

The declaration defines literacy as ability in reading, writing, numeracy, digital technology, speaking and listening and more than 250 delegates from 60 countries contributed to the declaration at the World Literacy Summit in Oxford.

WLF chief executive Andrew Kay issued a plea to the government and leaders in education to be proactive in achieving the goals of the Oxford Declaration.

He said: “We have created a pathway targeted to eradicate illiteracy by the year 2020. The clear evidence says if you want to reduce poverty then address illiteracy.

“No matter whether you live in the developed or developing world, poor literacy is ruining lives. Illiteracy is linked with many poor life outcomes, such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, crime, long-term illness, lost productivity in business and reduced income earning capacity in a job.” 

The Oxford Declaration was developed during the World Literacy Summit from 1-4 April 2012. For more information see websites www.oxforddeclaration.org or www.worldliteracy2012.org.