"Education for all" is the slogan for the United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012), which was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 2001. The General Assembly also decided that UNESCO should take a coordinating role in stimulating and catalyzing activities at the international level for the Decade.

In developing the vision for the Literacy Decade, literacy is not seen in a narrow sense. Rather, literacy is central to all levels of education, especially basic education through formal, non-formal and informal education systems. "Literacy for All" is a concept that encompasses the educational needs of all of us, in all settings and contexts. We live in a fast-changing world, focused on knowledge, with the increased use of innovative technological means of communication. In this world, the demands for higher levels and types of literacy continue to expand. This makes it necessary for all of us to learn new forms of literacy, in order to survive in our globalized and market-driven world.

"Literacy for all", is aimed at all sections of the society in all countries, in the South as well as in the North. The priority population groups to be addressed are:

• Non-literate youth and adults, especially women, including both so-called "absolute literate" and "functionally illiterate" – those who have not been able to acquire adequate skills to use literacy for their personal development and for improving their quality of life;

• Out-of-school children and youth, especially girls, adolescent girls and young women;

• The economically, socially and/or culturally disadvantaged – especially those unable to participate in formal and/or non-formal programmes.

The International Literacy Day, an occasion to reflect on progress toward improved literacy, has a special significance this year, as the Decade for Literacy approaches.