Penn GSE Event Addresses Global Literacy, Recognizes Inauguration of UNESCO Chair

February 29, 2012 - The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Educationwill host “Global Literacy in the 21st Century: Problems and Prospects,” at 4 p.m., Thursday, March 15 in Huntsman Hall.

Featuring Irina Bokova, the director-general of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, this symposium is free and open to the public.

“Global Literacy in the 21st Century” is part of the formal inauguration of the new UNESCO Chair in Learning and Literacy in Penn GSE. The first of its kind at a U.S. school of education, the UNESCO Chair will focus on achieving UN Millennium Development Goals in the area of basic education and literacy in the poorest countries of the world.

Dan Wagner, a professor at GSE and director of Penn’s International Literacy Institute, will be recognized as UNESCO chair during the event, which will include introductory remarks from Ezekiel Emanuel, a Penn Integrates Knowledge professor and the vice provost for global initiatives at Penn; GSE’s Dean Andy Porter, and Nerissa Cook, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state.

“UNESCO is the single United Nations agency that has consistently put global literacy and international development at the top of its priorities,” Wagner said.  “It is a particular honor to have Director-General Bokova come to Penn for this inauguration event, and we look forward to a continuing partnership over the years to come."