WASHINGTON – Today, September 8, is International Literacy Day, through which UNESCO highlights the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. The International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) is proud to represent the contributions of the global forest products industry to increased literacy around the world.

 

“Reading skills and strategies are not simply tied to the written word, but are also intimately tied to the medium of paper,” said ICFPA President Donna Harman. “Over the years, paper has proven to be a particularly potent learning tool and continues to be the most effective medium for reading.”

 

Research has shown that paper-based materials promote reading comprehension, information retention and learning, and that print-based texts are superior to digital texts in facilitating learning strategies.

 

The ICFPA represents more than 30 national forest and paper associations around the world. Together, ICFPA members represent over 90 percent of global paper production and more than half of global wood production.

 

For more information about the sustainability of the global forest and paper industry, visit icfpa.org.