Academic Literacy
for Sustainable Development
How Reading, Writing, and Critical Thinking Support the UN's 17 Sustainability Goals
The Foundation of Sustainable Development
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries in a global partnership.
"The future starts with the alphabet." — Irina Bokova, former UNESCO Director-General
Academic literacy — the ability to read, write, think critically, and communicate effectively — is not just a goal in itself (SDG 4: Quality Education). It is the foundational skill that enables progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Without the ability to read, especially in mother tongues, it would not be possible for people to gain the knowledge and skills critical to achieving sustainable development. Literacy empowers individuals to make informed decisions, participate in democratic processes, access economic opportunities, and contribute to healthier, more equitable communities.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Click on any goal to discover how academic literacy supports its achievement
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Zero Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security
Good Health
Ensure healthy lives and well-being
Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women
Clean Water
Ensure water and sanitation for all
Clean Energy
Ensure access to affordable, clean energy
Decent Work
Promote sustained economic growth
Innovation
Build resilient infrastructure
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries
Sustainable Cities
Make cities inclusive and sustainable
Responsible Consumption
Ensure sustainable consumption patterns
Climate Action
Take urgent action on climate change
Life Below Water
Conserve oceans and marine resources
Life on Land
Protect terrestrial ecosystems
Peace & Justice
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
Partnerships
Strengthen global partnerships
Six Key Benefits of Literacy
How academic literacy creates cross-cutting impact across the SDGs
Health & Well-being
Literate mothers have lower infant mortality rates. Reading health information saves lives during crises like Ebola and COVID-19.
Quality Education
Literacy is the foundation for all learning. Students who can read are more likely to complete their education and pursue lifelong learning.
Economic Growth
If all students in low-income countries had basic reading skills, 171 million people could escape extreme poverty.
Gender Equality
For every 10% increase of female students, GDP increases by 3%. Literate women are more likely to educate their daughters.
Peace & Justice
Literacy enables democratic participation, informed voting, and helps process trauma in post-conflict situations.
Reduced Inequalities
Literacy builds self-esteem, reduces marginalization, and enables equal participation in society.
The Global Impact of Literacy
Illiterate adults globally
Could escape poverty with basic literacy
Annual cost of illiteracy to global economy
GDP increase per 10% rise in female literacy
Academic Literacy and Critical Thinking
Critical thinking, a core component of academic literacy, is paramount to achieving the SDGs. It enables citizens to:
- Analyze Complex Issues: Understand the interconnected nature of poverty, climate change, and education.
- Evaluate Information: Distinguish credible sources from misinformation, especially regarding health, climate, and policy.
- Propose Solutions: Develop evidence-based strategies for local and global challenges.
Investing in academic literacy is an investment in informed global citizenship, ensuring that all people have the tools to engage meaningfully with the 2030 Agenda.