Doha, September 08 (QNA) - Marking the 60th International Literacy Day under the theme "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity," global data indicates that approximately 754 million youth and adults lacked basic literacy skills, with women accounting for two-thirds of this total.

In Qatar, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is actively translating these global goals into action in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Highlighting these national efforts, Assistant Director of Schools and Students Affairs Fatima Al Obaidli stated that Qatar provides equitable educational opportunities through nine evening centers distributed across the country, alongside the Qatar Technical Evening Center.

She emphasized that the Ministry has adopted a comprehensive literacy concept that extends beyond traditional reading and writing to incorporate digital, media, and informational skills, alongside a deep focus on emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.

Reinforcing these remarks, educational expert and advisor at the Ministry Hussein Al Yafei commended Qatar's progressive literacy programs for successfully investing in education as a foundational tool for societal empowerment, ensuring that learning extends far beyond basic literacy to build a capable, productive, and future-ready workforce. 

Building on global literacy discussions, Al Yafei noted that global illiteracy is deeply tied to complex economic and social barriers rather than a simple lack of access.

He emphasized that modern literacy extends far beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic to encompass digital and informational literacy, critical thinking, and conscious engagement with artificial intelligence.

Al Yafei stressed that a continuous learner today must possess both the drive for lifelong learning and the mastery of technology.

Furthermore, he highlighted that fostering a culture of reading is a shared responsibility spanning families, schools, media, and community initiatives to counteract modern distractions.

Complementing these perspectives, academic expert Dr. Ibrahim Al Karouri explained that the definition of literacy has evolved from traditional reading and writing deficiencies into a contemporary standard that integrates technical and civilizational shifts, making continuous learning a permanent process.

To address ongoing challenges, such as poverty, conflicts, and the absence of comprehensive strategic planning, Dr. Al Karouri called for institutional collaboration involving universities, community colleges, civil society organizations, and zakat institutions.

He advocated for precise strategic plans, psychological and mental analyses of affected populations, specialized curricula, and robust national metrics to ensure lasting success. Ultimately,

International Literacy Day serves as a vital reminder that education remains the fundamental gateway to empowerment, innovation, and sustainable prosperity. (QNA)