175 million adolescents unable to read a single sentence — UNESCO

More needs to be done to fight illiteracy and promote books because the world has 175 million adolescents who are unable to read a single sentence.

This was stated by the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova, in her World Book and Copyright Day message published on the organisations' website on Thursday, the 23rd of April, 2015.

"With 175 million adolescents in the world – mostly girls and young women –unable to read a single sentence, UNESCO is committed to harnessing information and communication technologies, especially mobile technology, to support literacy and to reach the unreached with quality learning," she said.

Bokova said UNESCO is "leading the fight against illiteracy" as it seeks to "build sustainable societies" and strengthen the foundations of peace"

The DG harped on the importance of books and education as "invaluable platforms for freedom of expression and the free flow of information."

"Literacy is the door to knowledge, essential to individual self-esteem and empowerment," she added.

"The future of the book as a cultural object is inseparable from the role of culture in promoting more inclusive and sustainable pathways to development.

Bokova also noted a need to "redouble efforts to promote the book, the pen, the computer as well as promoting all forms of reading and writing culture."

Also known as International Day of the Book or World Book Days, the World Book and Copyright Day is a yearly UNESCO event on April 23 to promote reading, publishing and copyright.