Journée de la démocratie

International Day of Democracy

15 September

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.

At each of the key moments that have marked contemporary history, UNESCO has supported the peaceful development of societies by contributing to the construction and consolidation of democracy, and the development of democratic institutions, especially in times of transition.

UNESCO celebrates International Day of Democracy every year because there is a demand inherent in the “democratic ideal” that we uphold, in the words of our Constitution, the “dignity, equality and mutual respect” of human beings. Through discussion, debate and the free participation of all, multilateralism as practiced at UNESCO keeps alive this democratic undertaking, which itself contains a humanist undertaking, within and between societies.

UNESCO Director-General
Audrey AzoulayDirector-General of UNESCO
democracy3

What UNESCO does

Freedom of Expression and the Rule of Law
Education transforms lives
Youth Programme
Right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications

15 September 2022: Media Freedom and Democracy panel commemorate Democracy Day at UN

UNESCO teamed up with OHCHR and UNDEF to organize a panel discussion on the protection of media freedom and its impact on human rights and democracy.

Media Freedom and Democracy Panel

Resources

Resolution from the UN General Assembly
UN website about this day
Past Edition
All International Days