International Day of Democracy

Held on 15th September every year

The word 'Democracy' comes from two Greek words: 'Demos', which means 'The people', and 'Kratein', which means 'To rule'. Throughout history, democracies have flourished, been threatened or replaced by authoritarian rule only to re-emerge in societies all over the world today. The UN strives to achieve its goals of peace, human rights and development. It believes that human rights and the rule of law are best protected in democratic societies. The UN also recognizes a fundamental truth about democracy everywhere – that democracy is the product of a strong, active and vocal civil society.

History -  In September 1997 the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted a Universal Declaration on Democracy. That declaration affirms the principles of democracy, the elements and exercise of democratic government, and the international scope of democracy. The international conferences on new and restored democracies (ICNRD process) began in 1988 under the initiative of President - Corazon C. Aquino of the Philippines after the so-called peaceful 'People Power Revolution' overthrew the 20-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Initially an inter-governmental forum, the ICNRD (International Conference on New and Restored Democracies) process developed into a tripartite structure with participation of governments, parliaments and civil society. The sixth conference (ICNRD-6) that took place in Doha, Qatar in 2006 reinforced the tri-partite nature of the process and concluded with a declaration and plan of action which reaffirmed the fundamental principles and values of democracy. Following up on the outcome of ICNRD-6, an advisory board set up by the chair of the process - Qatar - decided to promote an International Day of Democracy. Qatar took the lead in drafting the text of a United Nations General Assembly resolution and convened consultations with UN member states.

At the suggestion of the IPU, 15th September (date of the universal declaration on democracy) was chosen as the day when the international community would celebrate each year the International Day of Democracy. The UN general assembly decided on November 8, 2007, to make September 15 as the annual date to observe the International Day of Democracy. In its resolution A/RES/62/7 establishing the International Day of Democracy, the United Nations noted that "While democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy" and that "Democracy does not belong to any country or region". The International Day of Democracy is meant both to celebrate democracy and to serve as a reminder that the need to promote and protect democracy is as urgent now as ever. The assembly invited people and organizations, both government and non-government, to commemorate the International Day of Democracy. It also called for all governments to strengthen their national programs devoted to promoting and consolidating democracy. The assembly encouraged regional and other intergovernmental organizations to share their experiences in promoting democracy.

Events - Many people and organizations worldwide, including government agencies and non-government organizations, hold various initiatives to promote democracy on the International Day of Democracy. Events and activities include discussions, conferences and press conferences involving keynote speakers, often those who are leaders or educators heavily involved in supporting and endorsing democratic governments and communities. Leaflets, posters and flyers are placed in universities, public buildings, and places where people can learn more about how democracy is linked with factors such as freedom of expression and a tolerant culture. Organizations, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, organize activities such as public opinion surveys about democracy and political tolerance. There has been a campaign, known as the Global Democracy Day Initiative, which involves a petition being made to the UN and heads of states to officially adopt October 18 as Global Democracy Day to support International Day of Democracy.

Holiday Status - It is not a public holiday.