September 8th marked International Literacy Day , a date promoted by UNESCO since 1967 to highlight the importance of education as a driver of social change. Although progress has been remarkable, more than 750 million adults worldwide still cannot read or write.

Literacy is not a luxury; it is a human right. Reading and writing open doors to better jobs, democratic participation, and the ability to exercise other fundamental rights. Even in 2025, the education gap persists, and women make up two-thirds of the world's illiterate population.

Digital literacy has become a new battleground. In a world dominated by technology, those who don't know how to use a computer or access the internet are marginalized from job, educational, and social opportunities. The pandemic already highlighted this inequality: millions of students were left out of remote learning due to a lack of connectivity.

Investing in education means investing in entire generations. A literate woman is more likely to improve her health, the health of her children, and increase her family's income. The impact is exponential: every book opened changes destinies.

Celebrating this day must go beyond words. Governments and organizations must redouble their efforts in developing accessible, inclusive literacy programs adapted to the digital age. Because knowledge not only empowers, it is also the most powerful tool against poverty and inequality.