Oxford will welcome delegates from 85 countries when it hosts the World Literacy Summit next year.

As youth illiteracy rates rise following the pandemic, the city is preparing to host 800 delegates as it becomes a global hub for discussing literacy improvement strategies.

This week, Greg Zaralides, one of the organisers from the World Literacy Foundation, is in Oxford discussing the summit with representatives from Oxford University, Oxford University Press, the City of Oxford, and various businesses and literacy charities.

He said: "Oxford University is the perfect location with its rich and long history in literature.

"It's a massive undertaking to bring together people from all corners of the world, with their diverse languages, cultures and experiences.

"The summit will be the world’s largest gathering of international literacy specialists."

The event, which will take place from April 6-9, will allow experts including researchers, academics, teachers, literacy entrepreneurs, government representatives, and learners themselves, to exchange insights.

The CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, Andrew Kay, said illiteracy profoundly impacts individuals socially and economically.

The four-day summit will aim to discuss ways of using digital technologies to help the estimated 770 million illiterate people worldwide.

Events will be spread across various venues in Oxford, including the Sheldonian Theatre and the Divinity School.

It is estimated the event will contribute £2 million to the area's economy through tourism, accommodation and restaurants.