Dr Abdul-Aziz Othman Altwaijri, Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), called for redoubling the efforts, developing the means and allocating the sufficient resources for combating illiteracy, in order to enhance sustainable and comprehensive development and eradicate the terrible triplet of poverty, disease and ignorance. In a message addressed to the Muslim world on the World Literacy Day (8 September), Dr Altwaijri pointed out that illiteracy is still a real challenge to the Muslim world as it thwarts the efforts being deployed towards the advancement of Muslim societies at all levels. He also stated that illiteracy in most Member States has reached alarming proportions to such an extent that it hinders sustainable development and adversely affects the endeavors made by the governments in these areas. Besides, ISESCO Director General said that literacy according to the Islamic teachings is a religious dictate, a moral commitment, a civilizational mission and a social responsibility that require the contribution of all sectors of society, including governments, local community associations, international organizations, professional associations and trade unions. He equally underlined that literacy should be considered as a permanent priority for Muslim countries and a national commitment to be honored within specified time schedules through mobilizing efforts and energies. In addition, he pointed out that literacy for the development of the Islamic world is a top priority in ISESCO programs scheduled for the three-year Action Plan (2010-2012), through supporting the efforts deployed by the Member States, and providing them with the field expertise ISESCO has acquired over more than 25 years in this vital sector. Likewise, Dr Altwaijri said that ISESCO is implementing programs aimed at boosting the capacities of the human resources operating in the field of literacy in the Member States; supporting the development and implementation of these programs, in line with the needs of the benefiting parties; and identifying alternative funding means. He added that this calls for mobilizing the necessary financial resources at all levels; using ICT in the field of literacy; designing programmes for the categories with special needs; and encouraging the studies and researches necessary for the development of literacy plans and programs, in line with the socio-economic conditions of the Member States. In the same vein, ISESCO Director General stated that the scientific, social and economic development of the Islamic world hinges on achieving good results in eradicating both conventional and digital illiteracy, through allowing all social categories to enjoy their right to learning, and to break free from the shackles of illiteracy which undermine human dignity and Man's right to a stable, secure life. Dr Altwaijri concluded his message to the Muslim world by saying that breaking free from the shackles of illiteracy is a human right granted by all the revealed religions and international laws. By the same token, he called upon all Member States to guarantee this right to all their citizens through well-designed programs and wide-range, national campaigns that make use of modern means in literacy.
