International Day of Democracy 2023

Every year, on 15 September, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and parliaments worldwide celebrate the ‘International Day of Democracy’, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. This day corresponds with the adoption of a Universal Declaration on Democracy by the IPU in September 1997, affirming the principles of democracy, the elements and exercise of democratic government, and the global scope of democracy. The IPU’s support for International Democracy Day stems from its core belief that democracy requires all citizens’ participation. This day is an opportunity to highlight the parliament’s important role and celebrate its capacity and mandate to deliver justice, peace, development and human rights. With each annual commemoration of this International Day, a specific theme is chosen, and this year’s theme (2023) for the International Day of Democracy is “Empowering the next generation,” focusing on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are included in decisions that profoundly impact their world.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the 2023 International Day of Democracy warns that civic spaces are closing and urges meaningful participation of youth in decision-making. He notes that listening to children and young people is not enough: “We must support them with massive investments in education, skills-building and lifelong learning. We must protect human rights and advance gender equality. We must expand the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making processes at every level.”

This is paramount in a global context of unresolved conflicts, the rising threat of climate change and financial turmoil constantly threatening democracies worldwide. With that, and in commemorating this day, comes the importance of advancing freedom of expression as a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; as around the world, there are governments and those wielding power who find many ways to obstruct it.