How the Business of Books Can Advance Literacy

On September 8th, 2020, on International Literacy Day, the Global Book Alliance hosted a webinar, a cross-sectoral panel that looked at the role of books in early grade reading to ensure literacy gains for the 600 million children and adolescents who cannot read.

Ensuring access to books as an aim to increasing literacy rates can be a "force multiplier" to other key development efforts, paving the way for greater economic growth, health outcomes, democratic governance and peaceful and resilient societies.

Through the framework of the book value chain, GBA’s partners and collaborators discussed their experiences, learnings and challenges in ensuring that the right books are written and published, the role in strengthening efficient systems to be put in place to distribute books, and the need to support teachers, parents, caregivers and communities in ensuring they are used and enjoyed.

Audience members learned about how the business of books – writing, procuring, printing and distributing – can have an impact on fulfilling our ambitious commitment to universal literacy by 2030.