Rabat, Sep 6 (IANS/WAM): The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) has urged all Muslim nations on the occasion of the upcoming International Literacy Day Sep 8 to renew their efforts to address illiteracy on a wider scale.

According to ISESCO, illiteracy is rapidly increasing in all Muslim countries and it poses a threat to the development and prosperity of society.

ISESCO stated that illiteracy rates in the Muslim world range between 40 percent among males and 65 percent among females, with rural areas lagging behind urban settings.

The organisation underlined the necessity to overcome the scourge of illiteracy and thereby empower millions of citizens to contribute fully to their communities' development.

ISESCO gives annual awards to encourage literacy-oriented action by NGOs, regularly publishes studies on literacy and holds training courses and workshops for literacy programmes.

ISESCO was established by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in May 1979.

Its headquarters are in Rabat, Morocco.