8 September 2013 - South Sudan urgently needed to promote literacy and create an environment to help advance development goals, a statement from the government and partner organizations said today.

In commemoration of International Literacy Day, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Save the Children jointly issued a press release, describing illiteracy as a top national challenge.

"Currently the literacy rate of South Sudan is 27%, one of the lowest in the world," the statement said. "About 2.2 million people ... between the ages of 15 and 40 are illiterate and only 1 in 10 women are able to read and write."

The organizations called for political commitment, national mobilization and coordinated action to attain the development goals of all citizens.

"Literacy provides a solid foundation to lifelong learning, helps improve quality of life and promotes development," said the statement. "A peaceful nation is dependent on the development of literate citizens."

Several events were held to mark the day, with national celebrations focusing on efforts made to improve literacy in South Sudan, advocating for literacy learning within communities and renewing stakeholders' commitment to support realization of the right to literacy.

The main celebration was held in the Western Equatoria State capital Yambio on 6 September, with national and state government officials, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and the local population participating in a range of activities.

On 5 September, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, together with Save the Children and UNESCO, held a conference in Juba, which also launched the national literacy policy and state level action plans.

This year's theme for International Literacy Day 2013 was "Literacies for the 21st Century". It was aimed at highlighting the need for basic literacy skills for all people.

In a statement to observe the day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that there were more than 773 million young people and adults around the world who could not read.

He added that literacy was a foundation for a more just, inclusive and sustainable world and could advance the Millennium Development Goals.

"I urge all countries to make education and literacy national priorities and to work with partners across society to advance these goals," said Mr. Ban. "By promoting literacy, we can help millions of people write their own chapter of opportunity in their lives and our common future."