This year’s theme will focus on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world.
Young people are the current and future custodians of democracy
An engaged, well-educated electorate is at the heart of strong democratic societies. Creating an environment in which young people feel their voice counts is crucial. Young people must navigate a world in which democracies are under threat from factors ranging from the proliferation of online mis- and disinformation, to rising populism, and the destabilizing effects of the climate crisis. It is important everyone is able to meaningfully participate in the decisions that affect their lives now, and in years to come.
Climate justice and democracy
The effects of the climate crisis on the physical environment are today impossible to ignore, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that it is a challenge to democracy: growing food insecurity, migration, water scarcity, and extreme weather events are driving conflict and weighing on the minds of voters. Young people around the world have shown that they are extremely concerned about the climate crisis; in recent years hundreds of thousands of school age children, frustrated by the pace of negotiations to cut fossil fuel emissions, have taken part in large-scale marches, strikes, and protests. Calls for climate justice have also been a feature of these demonstrations: young people realize that they are likely to suffer the consequences of an increasingly unstable climate, caused by the activities of earlier generations. The United Nations recognizes the importance of empowering young people to take leadership roles on issues of international importance; the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth convenes the Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals, a group of 17 changemakers whose leadership is catalyzing the achievement of the SDGs, and the Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change ensures that the Secretary-General hears directly from young climate activists, who can share strategies for advancing climate action. The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) finances projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes, including youth.
Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #InternationalDayofDemocracy, #15September, #DemocracyDay.
Statement from the United Nations Secretary General on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy 2023; September 15th.
Democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights are bedrocks of resilient, inclusive, and peaceful societies.
They underwrite freedom, advance sustainable development, and protect the dignity and rights of every person.
On the International Day of Democracy, we celebrate its promise to societies – and recognize the many threats it faces at this time of tension and turmoil.
The walls are closing in on civic spaces.
Mis- and disinformation is poisoning public discourse, polarizing communities, and eroding trust in institutions.
This year’s theme – “Empowering the Next Generation” – focuses on the essential role of children and young people in safeguarding democracy today and in the future.
It is not enough to listen to children and young people.
We must support them with massive investments in education, skills-building, and lifelong learning.
We must protect human rights and advance gender equality.
And we must expand the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making processes at every level.
On this important day, let us join hands across generations and work as one to build a more just world for all.
António Guterres.
EVENTS
Empowering the next generation: Democracy for climate justice.
15 September 14:00-15:00 EST
SDG Pavilion, North Lawn UNHQ, New York
Watch the event live or on demand
The event, organized by the UN Democracy Fund within the UN Office for Partnerships, brings together civil society representatives, UN officials, and climate activists, to highlights the role of youth in advancing civic space and recognizes their leadership in moving climate action forward.
IDEA: Inclusive Democracy for Sustainable Development.
15 September 10:00-13:00 EST
Conference room 3, UNHQ, New YorkREGISTER
This event, organized by the intergovernmental organization International IDEA in partnership with the Global Democracy Coalition and the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations, will seek to deepen the understanding between inclusive democracy, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the forthcoming SDG Summit.
A special event marking the International Day of Democracy.
SDG Pavilion - Empowering the next generation: Democracy for climate justice.
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