14/09/2023

UNESCO observes International Day of Democracy

BY Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO

International Day of Democracy is celebrated around the world on 15 September each year. It was established through a resolution passed by the United Nation’s General Assembly in 2007, encouraging governments to strengthen and consolidate democracy.

This International Day provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. 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.

Democracy demands that we as a people uphold principles such as dignity, equality, respect and tolerance, principles that are enshrined in UNESCO’s Constitution. Since its foundation, UNESCO seeks to promote the aspirations of all people, especially young women and men. The focus on these two key areas, democracy and the promotion of youth, are particularly highlighted in the 2023 commemoration.

This year's theme for the International Day of Democracy, “Empowering the next generation,” focuses 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.

Democracy is as much a process as a goal and it is 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. 

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