Every year on September 15, the world celebrates the International Day of Democracy, established by the UN General Assembly in 2007 to promote and strengthen democratic values globally.
History
The origins of the International Day of Democracy are traced back to the International Conferences on New and Restored Democracies (ICNRD), which began in 1988 under the initiative of Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino. These conferences aimed to support and promote democracies worldwide.
In 1997, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted the Universal Declaration on Democracy, which laid the groundwork for what would become the International Day of Democracy. The sixth ICNRD conference, held in Doha, Qatar, in 2006, reinforced the collaborative nature of democracy, involving governments, parliaments, and civil society. This conference led to a declaration and Plan of Action that reaffirmed democratic principles.
Following this, Qatar spearheaded the push for a dedicated International Day of Democracy. On November 8, 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing September 15 as the official date, coinciding with the anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy.
Theme for 2024
The theme for this year’s International Day of Democracy is “Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Good Governance.” The focus is on ensuring that AI is governed effectively at all levels to harness its benefits while managing its risks. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlights AI’s potential to enhance public participation, equality, and security, but also warns of its risks if not properly regulated.
Past themes have addressed various aspects of democracy, including building stronger democratic institutions, the role of democracy in achieving sustainable development goals, and fostering inclusiveness and political tolerance.
Why It Matters
The International Day of Democracy provides a vital opportunity to assess the state of democracy around the world. Democracy is a continuous process that requires active participation and support from the international community, national governments, and individuals.
