About
World Literacy Summit
World’s largest gathering of international literacy specialists, NGO leaders, researchers, academics, literacy entrepreneurs, education companies, publishers, practitioners, and government representatives.
Oxford, UK – April 2027
The World Literacy Summit is a global gathering dedicated to tackling the global literacy crisis and improving education for all. Organized by the World Literacy Foundation, this prestigious event brings together educators, policymakers, innovators, and advocates from over 85 countries to collaborate on impactful solutions that promote literacy and learning around the world.
What We Offer
The World Literacy Summit is a hub for thought leadership, featuring:
Expert Speakers
by global education leaders and advocates to inspire you general information.
Workshops and Panels
focusing on literacy policy, digital education, early childhood literacy, and more
Elite Networking
to connect with educators, NGOs, government leaders, and corporate partners.
Case Studies
and best practices from around the world, showcasing successful literacy programs and educational innovations.
The World Literacy Summit is an event not to be missed!
Who Attends
Our attendees represent a diverse network of individuals and organizations all committed to improving global literacy rates. From literacy advocates, teachers, and researchers, to government officials, nonprofit leaders, and corporate executives, the summit offers a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded professionals working towards the same goal.
Why Attend
By attending the World Literacy Summit 2027, you’ll be part of a worldwide movement aimed at reducing illiteracy and transforming lives. This is your chance to learn from top experts, contribute your own experiences, and help shape the future of global literacy.
Regular Tickets
Global summit for literacy advocates that fosters collaboration and drives impactful change.
Venue
EXAMINATION SCHOOLS
Built between 1876 and 1881 and designed to house the University’s examinations at the heart of Oxford’s city centre.
SHELDONIAN THEATRE
Elegant, sophisticated, and brimming with old-fashioned glamour, this unusual venue is an architectural gem in the heart of Oxford.
SAÏD BUSINESS SCHOOL
The school is a provider of management education and is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top business schools.
THE DIVINITY SCHOOL
Medieval building and room in the Perpendicular style in Oxford, UK, part of the University of Oxford. Built between 1427 and 1483.
Hotels
No, accommodation and travel expenses are not included in the registration fee. Delegates are required to make and pay for their own reservations for travel and accommodation. Below are some accommodation options available near the event.
Preferred Hotel Coupons and Promo Codes
Block Code: 5637685. Use the block code during booking to receive exclusive discounted rates at the Mercure Hotel. Please reference the block code in your email to get a discount.
To book the rooms, delegates can visit the website here Accommodation and B&B – The Queen’s College, Oxford and enter the Event code: WLS2025 to view and book reserved rooms.
To book a room at St Hilda’s College please create a guest profile on our booking portal here: StarRez Portal (starrezhousing.com). When you have signed in you will see an option for ‘Bedroom Bookings’. Please use the code WLS2025 to view the room options and to place your booking.
Travel
1. Getting to Oxford UK
You can reach Oxford very easily by train, bus or road:Direct bus services link central Oxford with Oxfordshire and central London. The Oxford Tube offers a 24/7 service. The journey typically takes about 100 minutes, potentially longer during rush hours.
Access Oxford by car via the M40 and M4 + A34. From London, leave the M40 at Junction 8, and from Birmingham, exit at Junction 9. Parking in Oxford is limited; most visitors use the Park and Ride, which is well signposted from the Oxford Ring Road.
Frequent direct services run from London Paddington and Birmingham New Street. Accessible lines include the Cotswold Line and the line to Leamington Spa. For detailed train services and timings, visit the National Rail website.
London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are connected by Oxford Bus Company’s Airline service. Stansted and Luton airports are served by the National Express 737 bus service. Birmingham Airport offers fast train services to Oxford. For more information, visit National Rail Enquiries. London Oxford Airport (OXF) is just 8 km from the city centre.
Find the best route for your journey to Oxford with these helpful tools:
- Google Maps: For public transport and car journey planning
- RAC Route Planner: For car journey planning
- AA Route Planner: For car journey planning
- Traveline: For public transport planning
2. Visa requests
You may need a standard visitor visa to attend World Literacy Foundation in Oxford UK. This visa is for those travelling to the UK for business purposes, such as attending an event, as well as for tourists, visiting family and friends, or for medical treatment.
The requirements for obtaining a Standard Visitor visa for the UK can vary depending on your country of citizenship, the length of your stay, and the purpose of your visit. You may need to provide proof of the conference you are attending, as well as evidence of your ability to support yourself during your stay.
The conferences team is happy to supply individuals who require a visa with a supporting letter. To request a visa letter, email info@worldliteracysummit.org, including your title, full name and address. Please note that letters will only be issued to delegates who have paid the registration fee.
If you are from a country that is exempt from the visa requirement, such as the United States or Canada, you may be able to enter the UK for business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 6 months. For further information, visit the government website at https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/visit-on-business
Team
Greg Zaralides
Conference Director
Sarah Warring
Speaker, Teacher, Tutor, and Writer
Lorena Torres
Communications Specialist
FAQs
What are the dates of the World Literacy Summit 2027?
The next World Literacy Summit will take place in April 2027.
Where is the conference?
The conference will be held at Oxford University, United Kingdom.
Who should attend the WLS 2027?
WLS welcomes people from every part of the world who are passionate about global literacy, including NGO leaders, government representatives, researchers, academics and teachers, literacy entrepreneurs, education companies, reading specialists, literacy coaches, college/university faculty, school administrators, librarians, and most important the learners themselves.
I have never attended a WLS before. What should I expect?
The World Literacy Summit is a space for delegates to collaborate, share ideas, and discuss knowledge between some of the world’s most ardent literacy and educational leaders, institutions, organisations, and pioneers.
What is the World Literacy Summit refund policy?
The Summit ONLY offers refunds when the British Government do not approve your visa. If you are unable to attend for any other reasons, please contact us for further information on registration transfers.
Are registration transfers available?
We understand delegates may not be able to attend for unforeseen circumstances. In this case, we offer registration transfers, please contact us for further information.
Where can I find the conference schedule?
The conference schedule will be released in November 2026
How can I engage with other delegates before, during and after the Summit?
All delegates are encouraged to engage with other delegates through our social media, Twitter @litereacy_summit, LinkedIn, Facebook @WorldLiteracySummit, and Instagram @WorldLiteracySummit.
During the event, delegates will be able to communicate via the Summit app provided to delegates who have paid the registration fee.
What is the World Literacy Summit Swapcard Mobile App?
This is an application that will make the most of your experience at the Summit, it will allow you to:
- Discover who is attending
- Connect with delegates
- Access presentations
- Create your own schedule.
- Tour Oxford with our map
The App is available on iPhone, iPad and Android devices. To download and use this App you must be a registered delegate.