Context
- The Ministry of Education organised the ULLAS Mela in New Delhi as the concluding event of the two-day International Literacy Day (8th -9th September) 2026 celebrations.
What is ULLAS?
- ULLAS stands for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society.
- It provides a platform for non-literate individuals (aged 15 years and above) to begin and continue their learning journey.
- It promotes not only basic literacy but also financial, legal, digital and electoral literacy.
Key Highlights of ULLAS Mela
- 28 States/UTs, along with NCERT, NCTE and NIOS, participated in the exhibition.
- Stalls showcased:
- Achievements and best practices.
- Learning materials.
- Innovative teaching and learning methods.
- Accomplishments of fully literate States/UTs.
- The Mela included cultural performances and panel discussions.
About International Literacy Day (ILD)
- Observed: 8 September every year.
- Proclaimed by: UNESCO in 1966.
- First celebrated: 1967.
- Purpose: To remind the international community of the importance of literacy for individuals, communities and societies.
International Literacy Day 2026
- Milestone Significance (2026): 2026 marks the 60th Anniversary of UNESCO’s proclamation of ILD (1966–2026).
- ILD 2026 Official Theme: “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.”
- Global Host Venue (2026): UNESCO’s global flagship event for 2026 was hosted in Chiapas, Mexico.
UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026
- Established: 1967 by UNESCO to recognize excellence, innovation and impact in literacy initiatives.
- Currently, there are two UNESCO International Literacy Prizes:
- UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize
- UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy
- Three awards are given under each prize, making six laureates in 2026.
UNESCO Literacy Prizes 2026
I. UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize
- Escuelas LEO – Colombia: Multilingual literacy for marginalized communities.
- Language Friendly School – Netherlands: Promotes home-language-based education.
- Project PAL – Nigeria: Accelerated literacy for out-of-school children.
II. UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy
- Alsama Project – Lebanon: Accelerated education for refugee/displaced youth.
- Chiapas Puede – Mexico: Bilingual literacy in Spanish and Indigenous languages.
- Language for Life – Thailand: Multilingual literacy linked with disaster and climate awareness.