International Day of Democracy 2024; September 15th.

FORUM: "Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement." International Day of Democracy 2024. The strength of democracy lies in its ability to embrace and balance differences to serve society as a whole. Diversity is a source of resilience, adaptability and creativity. But it can also be exploited for political gain by polarising opinion and deepening divides. Socio-economic, gender, ethnic, generational and other inequalities fuel divisive rhetoric and trigger electoral choices which make democracies increasingly fragile. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #InternationalDayofDemocracy, #15September, #DemocracyDay.

 

EVENTS: On September 15th, the International Day of Democracy 2024 will be observed worldwide.

On September 10th from 11:00-12:00 EST; You are invited to join the United Nations Democracy Fund, the United Nations Office for Partnerships for a special event entitled "Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement" in conference room 8 at the UNHQ. This dynamic discussion will bring together diverse voices from civil society, academia, and the United Nations to explore the role of artificial intelligence in promoting and defending good governance and active citizen participation. Panelists will discuss how AI can enhance key democratic principles such as access to information, participation, and inclusion, while also addressing the risks it brings. The event is held in partnership with UNDP, UNESCO, and UNODC. Get the Invitation, the concept note and Watch the livestream!

From 6-8 November 2024; The 12th World Forum for Democracy will take place in Strasbourg (France). This year, the theme is "Democracy and Diversity - Can we transcend the divides?". In a year during which around one half of the world’s population has been called to the polls, the 2024 edition of the World Forum for Democracy will address the critical threats posed by disinformation and divisive political narratives around diversity, including in the context of election campaigns. The Forum will focus on how electoral processes may inadvertently crystallise societal divides and provide fertile ground for populism to flourish. In light of the urgency of this challenge, the Forum will explore ways of raising understanding among citizens of the risks posed by populism for their fundamental rights and freedoms. To achieve this, the Forum will feature inspirational talks by thought leaders. Analytical labs will challenge proposed new solutions and identify ideas worth spreading. Moreover, the Forum will actively foster the creation of networks and communities of practice, serving as incubators for turning ideas into action. The main axes for the 2024 edition will be: (1) Elections and value divides. (2) Unraveling the web of disinformation. (3). Citizen engagement for democratic renewal. Read the concept note and the agenda programme and register to participate!

PUBLICATIONS: The EIU’s 2023 Democracy Index sheds light on trends in democracy globally in 2023, as war and conflict spread across the globe, reinforcing existing negative trends in many countries. The annual index, which provides a snapshot of the state of global democracy, registered a decline in its total score from 5.29 in 2022 to 5.23. The increasing incidence of violent conflict has badly dented the global democracy score. Read the publication.

The Global State of Democracy Indices (GSoD Indices) measure democratic trends at the country, regional and global levels across a broad range of indicators democratic performance across the years 1975–2023. They do not provide a single index of democracy. They include data for 174 countries across the globe. The GSoD Indices are based on 165 individual indicators devised by various scholars and organizations. Read the Global State of Democracy Indices

Explore the progress on the SDGs at Halftime and the regional and multi-country projects developed by the UNDF.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary General on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy 2024; September 15th.

The International Day of Democracy is an opportunity to reinforce the importance of upholding free speech, civil liberties, and the rule of law; ensuring accountable institutions; and protecting and promoting human rights.

This is especially crucial in a year where more than 50 countries – representing half of the global population – are holding elections.

Yet, these rights and values are under attack around the world. Freedoms are being eroded. Civic space is diminishing. Polarization is intensifying. And mistrust is growing.

This year’s Democracy Day focuses on Artificial Intelligence as a tool for good governance.

Left unchecked, the dangers posed by artificial intelligence could have serious implications for democracy, peace, and stability. This can start with the proliferation of mis- and disinformation, the spread of hate speech and the use of so-called deepfakes.

Yet, AI has the potential to promote and enhance full and active public participation, equality, security, and human development. It can boost education on democratic processes, and shape more inclusive civic spaces where people have a say in decisions and can hold decision-makers to account.

To seize these opportunities, it is critical to ensure effective governance of AI at all levels, including internationally.

The inclusive and geographically diverse High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence has released a report with recommendations on how to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating the risks.

The message is clear: AI must serve humanity equitably and safely.

This month’s Summit of the Future offers a crucial opportunity to strengthen international cooperation, build trust, and safeguard current and future generations.

On this International Day of Democracy, let’s keep working to build a more inclusive, just, and equal world.

United Nations Secretary-General.

LIVESTREAM: Special Event to mark the International Day of Democracy 2024 at UNHQ.

International Day of Democracy 2023; September 15th.

FORUM: "Empowering the next generation." International Day of Democracy 2023.

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.

SDG Pavilion full programme - SDGs at Halftime.

International Day of Democracy 2022; September 15th.

FORUM: ''Protecting Press Freedom for Democracy.'' International Day of Democracy 2022.

The world that our democratic principles are constantly under threat. In fact, now more than ever Democracy is backsliding, civic space is shrinking, distrust, mis- and disinformation are growing while threats to the freedom of journalists and media workers are expanding by the day. This year, Democracy Day will focus on the importance of media freedom to democracy, peace, and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Statement by the U.N. Secretary-General to the United Nations, on the International Day of Democracy 2022; September 15th.

"Today marks the 15th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy. Yet across the world, democracy is backsliding. Civic space is shrinking. Distrust and disinformation are growing. And polarization is undermining democratic institutions. Now is the time to raise the alarm. Now is the time to reaffirm that democracy, development, and human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Now is the time to stand up for the democratic principles of equality, inclusion, and solidarity. And stand with those who strive to secure the rule of law and promote the full participation in decision-making. This year, we focus on a cornerstone of democratic societies – free, independent, and pluralistic media. Attempts to silence journalists are growing more brazen by the day – from verbal assault to online surveillance and legal harassment – especially against women journalists. Media workers face censorship, detention, physical violence, and even killings – often with impunity. Such dark paths inevitably lead to instability, injustice and worse. Without a free press, democracy cannot survive. Without freedom of expression, there is no freedom. On Democracy Day and every day, let us join forces to secure freedom and protect the rights of all people, everywhere. Thank you".

Free, independent and pluralistic media, able to keep the public informed on matters of public interest, is a key ingredient to democracy. It enables the public to make informed decisions and hold governments to account. When media freedoms are under threat - the flow of information can be stifled, skewed or cut off entirely. Increasingly, journalists around the world face limits to their ability to operate freely – with a grave impact on human rights, democracy and development.

EVENT : To mark International Democracy Day this year, the UN Office for Partnerships collaborates with the UN Democracy Fund to host a discussion in the SDG studio as part of the SDG Roundtable series. The conversation will showcase why protecting media freedom is a critical component of a healthy democracy. Moreover, it will propose and discuss solutions for the achievement of SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. You can contribute to this work by sharing the roundtable on 15 September and raising awareness around protecting media freedoms globally.

International Democracy Day 2013, September 16.

International Day of Democracy - 15 September

DEMOCRACY AND THE UNITED NATIONS

The International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.

The values of freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage are essential elements of democracy.  In turn, democracy provides the natural environment for the protection and effective realization of human rights. These values are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and further developed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which enshrines a host of political rights and civil liberties underpinning meaningful democracies.

The link between democracy and human rights is captured in article 21(3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states:

“The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.” 

The rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and subsequent human rights instruments covering group rights (e.g. indigenous peoples, minorities, people with disabilities) are equally essential for democracy as they ensure an equitable distribution of wealth, and equality and equity in respect of access to civil and political rights.

Democracy : The Past Observances