The World Literacy Summit has issued “an urgent call to action” to tackle the looming global literacy crisis.

It revealed that 70% of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries cannot read or understand simple text.

Experts from academia, government, nonprofits, EdTech, education companies and international development organisations have been invited to gather at Oxford University next April in a bid to find solutions to this crisis.

World Literacy Foundation c.e.o. Andrew Kay warned of the dire consequences facing communities if children fail to acquire basic literacy skills.

Kay said: “Countries and communities are on the brink of a social and economic disaster if a child doesn’t learn foundational literacy skills. We’re inviting leaders in the wider literacy sector to bring their expertise to the World Literacy Summit. Registration is now open for suitable delegates on our website.”

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has previously said AI chatbots could help children significantly improve their reading and writing skills in the next 18 months. The summit will explore groundbreaking research, new technology and foster collaboration among literacy experts from 83 countries.