In line with the UN Literacy Decade (2003-2012) calendar, International Literacy Day put the spotlight this year on the empowering role of literacy and its importance for participation, citizenship and development.

UNESCO: Education

Lasting peace depends on the development of literate citizenship and access to education for all.

UNESCO: Message from the Director-General on the occasion of the International Literacy Day | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

The acquisition of skills for work, and for citizenship, is crucial for economic and social development.

UNESCO: ALADIN By Type of Parent Organization

Mr Skidmore said his conversations with teachers had reflected an appetite for teaching citizenship through a focus on British history, the development of democracy and "our hard-won freedoms".

BBC: Overhaul school history, urges report by MPs and peers

We have to come together around fundamental rights and development drivers, in a spirit of global citizenship and partnership.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES

Citizenship includes ecological awareness, skills and education for sustainable development.

UNESCO: EDUCATION FIRST