International Day of Democracy 2021

The International Day of Democracy also known as World Democracy Day is observed every year on 15 September. It is a day which highlights the importance of participation of all members for proper functioning of a democracy. Democracy is a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

According to the United Nations (UN), the International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity for the world to view and review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is essential for the protection and effective realization of human rights. This day plays an important role in highlighting the important role of parliaments, and to celebrate their capacity and mandate to deliver on justice, peace, development and human rights. The day has been observed annually on September 15 after being established in 2007 through a resolution passed by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which is an international organisation of national parliaments. In the following years, Qatar led efforts to promote an International Day of Democracy. Finally, on November 8, 2007, the day was established as the UNGA adopted by consensus the resolution titled “Support by United Nations system of efforts of governments to promote and consolidate a new or restored democracies.” The IPU suggested that the occasion be celebrated on September 15 to commemorate the adoption of Universal Declaration on Democracy 10 years prior.

The main purpose of passing the resolution was to promote and uphold the principles of democracy. “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,” reads the official website of UN.