Under the theme “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace,” the International Literacy Day (ILD) 2024 celebration took place on September 9th and 10th in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The event brought together global leaders, educators, and experts to explore the role of literacy in fostering peace, social cohesion, and multilingual education.
Prof. Rana Dajani, founder of the “We Love Reading” program and a member of UNESCO’s International Literacy Prize Jury, moderated two pivotal panel discussions during the event, emphasizing the critical role of literacy in multilingual societies and its power to promote mutual understanding.
The first panel, titled “Effective Programs for Promoting Literacy and Peace in Multilingual Societies,” gathered global experts who shared their experiences on educational programs aimed at enhancing literacy worldwide. Prof. Dajani engaged the panelists in a conversation about the global future of education and the importance of investing in literacy initiatives.
In the second panel, “Encouraging Literacy Efforts in Lifelong Learning Ecosystems,” Prof. Dajani discussed how educational ecosystems can promote literacy, especially in multilingual contexts. The discussion focused on how diverse actors can collaborate to foster continuous learning and sustain multilingual societies.
During the event, Prof. Dajani initiated a moment of silence in respect for the people, including teachers and professors, in Gaza and other conflict-affected regions who face barriers to education. She called for a renewed global commitment to building a better future for all children, emphasizing the importance of learning from history to ensure the next generation has access to quality education.
The ILD 2024 celebration also featured the award ceremony for the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes, alongside side events and discussions on literacy policies and programs that can support lifelong learning and peacebuilding. Prof. Dajani’s contributions helped underscore the transformative potential of literacy in fostering peace and mutual respect across cultures.
Watch the event. Dr. Rana Dajani’s speech in a video begins at 5:54.