Through joint efforts, we are transforming the environment and developing a National Reading Plan—a long-term framework that will place reading at the heart of policies on education, culture, the economy, and human capital.

The Pact establishes a national reading infrastructure—the comprehensive system of institutions, professionals, resources, and policies that supports literacy development from early childhood throughout life, while simultaneously preventing functional illiteracy, fostering key skills, and promoting social inclusion.

We aim to build a sustainable national reading infrastructure through which we:

• foster reading from the earliest age;

• unite the efforts of schools, libraries, families, institutions, and businesses;

• support the development of critically thinking, informed, and active citizens;

• make reading a strategic priority for Bulgaria.

The reading infrastructure is a key element for the sustainable development of literacy, social equity, and economic well-being. It provides comprehensive support for people from early childhood throughout their lives, ensuring access to books, education, effective guidance, and resources to foster reading skills.

A well-developed reading infrastructure ensures effective support for individuals and society, directly contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

MISSION OF THE NATIONAL READING PACT

1. All children and young people should develop their reading skills to the highest possible level.
2. This will enable them to achieve academic success, realize their educational potential, and freely choose their future profession.
3. Everyone in society should understand the importance of reading in everyday life. Each member of society is responsible for helping children and young people learn to read well.
4. Reading should be a core priority for national and local authorities, providing opportunities for the private and nonprofit sectors to develop and implement programs that build the foundations of reading from an early age, support families in raising future readers, and foster a love of reading that strengthens the future of democratic society.
5. Reading should be recognized as a factor in human health and social well-being.
6. Reading should be recognized as a factor in national security.
7. Political leaders and opinion leaders should support, through concrete policies and measures, the efforts of all those committed to nurturing and developing readers.