University of Hamburg joins UNESCO Global Alliance for Literacy as Associate Member

The University of Hamburg has officially joined the Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL) as an associate member. The announcement was made during the Annual Meeting of the Global Alliance for Literacy on 9 September 2025. This milestone reflects a longstanding partnership between UIL and the University of Hamburg, rooted in a shared commitment to advancing youth and adult literacy worldwide. 

As an associate member, the University of Hamburg is deeply committed to the GAL Strategy (2020–2025), and will contribute to its implementation particularly through research, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts across member countries of the Alliance. It will also support the development of cost-effective and accessible literacy assessment tools. 

Strong track record in literacy research 

Since 2005, the University’s Department for Lifelong Learning has played a pivotal role in literacy research, contributing expertise in both qualitative studies and large-scale assessments. Highlights include leading the German LEVEL-ONE Surveys (LEO 2010 and 2018), evaluating adult education centres across federal states, and developing innovative literacy programmes in collaboration with local education authorities.  

Expanding a collaborative legacy 

UIL and the University of Hamburg have a rich history of cooperation, including benchmark activities, joint conferences around International Literacy Day, and the project, “Numeracy as Part of Basic Adult Education” (2017–2021), coordinated by Professor Anke Grotlüschen and supported by UIL, advancing the discourse on adult numeracy and culminated in a special issue of the International Review of Education. 

Recent joint initiatives with UIL have further strengthened this collaboration. The “Under Pressure: Literacy and Discrimination” project, co-led by UIL and the University’s Research Centre on Literacy in Diversity Settings, explores how literacy intersects with systemic discrimination and seeks to build protective structures within education systems.  

About the Global Alliance for Literacy 

Since its launch in 2016, the Global Alliance for Literacy has driven international discourse and guided the agenda for literacy provision globally for those who need it most. The alliance includes 31 countries committed to improving youth and adult literacy. It serves as a platform for its members to discuss progress and challenges together, and to exchange knowledge and good practice. A total of now 17 Associate Members support the Alliance in promoting literacy for youth and adults across the globe. 

Further information 

Global Alliance for Literacy Associate Members