Die Weltalphabetisierungsdekade 2003–2012. Eine Bilanz

For the evaluation of the World Literacy Decade (2003–2012), the author focuses on the successful and unsuccessful UN literacy objectives. In the article, the mobilization for global literacy, the reliable data survey on the extent of the literacy problem, the world report »Education for All« with a main focus on alphabetization, the acknowledgment of literacy as a continuum of the »Belém Framework for Action«, the »UNESCO LIFE Initiative«, the »E-9 Initiative« as well as several international, national and local alliances such as the »German Alliance for Literacy and Basic Education« are regarded as progress by the author. Despite the multitude of measures and actions, many countries are still confronted with challenges by the literacy problem. Political negligence and the resulting lack of funds are a cause of concern: In countries with a high illiteracy rate, the budget for literacy programmes is often less than one percent of the national educational expenditure.