Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. International Literacy Day (ILD) 2024 will be celebrated under the theme “Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace”. The global celebration will be held on 9 and 10 September 2024 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, It will include a global conference, the award ceremony of the UNESCO?International Literacy Prizes, and side events, such as?the annual meeting of Global Alliance of Literacy within the Framework of Lifelong Learning (GAL) and? meetings of the Action Research on Measuring Literacy and Alternative Education (RAMAED), and the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. United States More than 43 million Americans struggle to read, write, do math and use technology above the 3rd-grade level. UNESCO recently released a report that estimates that as a result of COVID-19, there are now 290 million students (children and youth) out of school. See International Adult Literacy Facts from Pro Literacy. Oregon At least 17% of Oregon’s adult population does not have a high school diploma or GED. Adults aged 25–34 are less educated that their parents’ generation, with fewer earning certificates or degrees beyond high school. In Multnomah County, 18.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home and some of these “less than very well”. (Statistics from?American Community Survey.)