8 July 1987

36th plenary meeting

Efforts and measures to promote the eradication of illiteracy

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling General Assembly resolution 41/118 of 4 December 1986, in which the Assembly invited the Council to consider the question of declaring an international literacy year,

Referring to decision 7.1.2 of 18 June 1987 adopted by the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at its 126th session, in which the Board suggested that the General Assembly proclaim 1990 International Literacy Year,

Emphasizing that widespread illiteracy, especially in many developing countries, seriously hinders the process of economic and social development and cultural and spiritual advancement,

Convinced that the process of education can make an indispensable contribution to the achievement of social progress, mutual understanding and co-operation among nations,

Mindful that the eradication of illiteracy calls for world-wide co-operation and joint efforts,

Convinced that the elaboration of a global strategy for the elimination of illiteracy and the organization of a world-wide literacy campaign will promote deeper understanding by the world public of the various aspects of the problem of illiteracy and help to intensify efforts to spread literacy and education,

Reiterating the importance of paragraph 164 of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women, which identifies the need for priority programmes to overcome the special obstacles that have generally led to higher illiteracy rates among women than among men,

1. Takes note with appreciation of the proposals for the observance of an international literacy year prepared by the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization;

2. Invites the General Assembly to proclaim 1990 International Literacy Year;

3. Appeals to all Member States to co-operate with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in the preparation of the International Literacy Year and to participate actively in the implementation of the activities to be organized within the framework of the Year.