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Celebrating our International Democracy Day
Today, every citizen around the world should be celebrating! Put you party hats on people as today is the International Day of Democracy.
With special regard to this year’s advances in spreading democratic consciousness throughout the world -- a big step forward for the entire human race -- it is important to bear in mind that nothing is granted, and especially not our right to freedom and self-determination.
To remember and support all those who are still fighting day and night in the name of Democracy, and to awake all those who have not yet started the Struggle, let’s all unite and make everything we can to spread the word.
"On this International Day of Democracy, let us redouble our efforts to support all people, in particular the young – the drivers of this year’s momentous events – in making democracy a working reality. This Day belongs to them. Let us honour their commitment to a lifelong journey in democracy. "
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the International Day of Democracy 2011
Background
In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe September 15th as the International Day of Democracy and invited all member states and organizations to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner that contributes to raising public awareness.
The preamble of the resolution affirmed that:
“while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region […]democracy is a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life.”
Entitled Support by the United Nations system of efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies, the document was adopted by consensus on 8 November 2007.
Today
This year's International Day of Democracy on 15 September will coincide with the observance at UN Headquarters of the International Day of Peace, under the theme of "Peace and Democracy: Make Your Voice heard".
Following the traditional Peace Bell Ceremony in the morning, an event for youth will be held in Conference Room 4, North Lawn Building, with the participation of the Secretary-General, as well as Messengers of Peace Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall and Stevie Wonder, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors Yuna Kim and Ishmael Beah, and UN Youth Champion Monique Coleman.
The event will also feature a screening of 'Young People Building Democracy and Peace in Guatemala', a short film illustrating a field project of the United Nations Democracy Fund, UNDEF.
The event will be webcast live at www.un.org/webcast.
Happy Democracy Day!