September 8 & 9, 2026 · Chiapas, Mexico

World Conference
on Literacy 2026

Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day:
"Literacy for people, planet, and prosperity".

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Discover Chiapas Gastronomy
2026
San Cristóbal de Las Casas y San Juan Chamula, Chiapas
San Cristóbal de Las Casas · San Juan Chamula, Chiapas · Chiapas, México
UNESCO Global Celebration · 60 Years

World Conference on Literacy 2026

To commemorate International Literacy Day (ILD 2026) and its 60th anniversary, UNESCO and the Government of Mexico convene ministers of education, ambassadors, multilateral organizations, and global experts. During the sessions in San Juan Chamula and San Cristóbal de Las Casas, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes will be awarded and the annual Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL) meeting will take place.

60th Historic Anniversary
(1966-2026)
6 Laureates
UNESCO Prizes
2 Venues in Chiapas
(Chamula & San Cristóbal)
3 Official Languages
(ES / EN / FR)
Official Commemorative Motto · UNESCO 2026

«Literacy for people, planet, and prosperity»

Six decades after the proclamation of International Literacy Day (1966–2026), the World Conference in Chiapas reaffirms the transformative power of lifelong learning and indigenous languages as essential foundations for lasting peace, community justice, and global sustainability.

People
Inclusion, equity, and bilingual interculturality.
Planet
Ancestral knowledge and ecological transition.
Prosperity
Digital literacy, decent work, and peace.
Strategic Framework

Fundamental Objectives of the Conference

Global Assessment since 2015

Take stock of progress in literacy since 2015 and its contribution to sustainable development and peace.

Advances in Mexico, LAC

Celebrate achievements in literacy across Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Policies & Learning Ecosystems

Identify effective policies, approaches, and solutions for literacy provision, practice, and monitoring across lifelong learning ecosystems.

Literacy for Today and Tomorrow

Reflect on literacy needs in the context of social, digital, and ecological transformations.

Six UNESCO Prize Laureates 2026

Celebrate the achievements of the six laureates of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026.

Global Alliance Action Plan (GAL 2026-2029)

Discuss the draft Action Plan for the implementation of the UNESCO Global Alliance for Literacy Strategy (2026-2029).

Delegate Services Platform

Information & Experience Hub

Discover Chiapas

Guide to San Cristóbal de Las Casas (UNESCO Creative City), San Juan Chamula, historic temples, museums, and Mayan handicrafts.

Explore attractions

Chiapas Gastronomy

Discover the culinary wealth: chipilín tamales, Coleto bread soup, cochito, tascalate, high-altitude coffee, and ceremonial Pox.

Taste traditions

Minute-by-Minute Programme

Full schedule of ceremonies in San Juan Chamula, ministerial panels at Casa Mazariegos, and GAL meeting.

Access with accreditation

Logistics & Shuttles

Tuxtla Gutiérrez Airport (TGZ) operations, San Juan Chamula official motorcades, and executive shuttles.

Access with accreditation

Dress Code

Conference & Plenary Sessions: Formal business suit, diplomatic attire, or official institutional dress.

San Juan Chamula Activities: Comfortable formal attire or national traditional clothing (comfortable footwear recommended for the town walk).

Welcome Reception & Official Dinners: Executive formal / Institutional cocktail.

UNESCO Secretariats & Official Contacts

ILD2026 General Secretariat (UNESCO):
literacy@unesco.org

International Prizes (ILP2026):
literacyprizes@unesco.org

Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL / UIL):
uil-galsecretariat@unesco.org

Chiapas Liaison & Help Desk:
+52 (967) 678-2026