The 15th of September is celebrated as the International Day of Democracy. In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly resolved to observe this day as the International Day of Democracy. It is celebrated with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy and all member states of UN and organizations observe the day in an appropriate manner that contributes to raising public awareness.
After the outcome of the conference ICNRD-6 at Doha, Qatar, an advisory board set up by the chair of the process, decided to promote an International Day of Democracy. Qatar took the lead in drafting the text of a United Nations General Assembly resolution and convened consultations with UN member states. At the suggestion of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), September 15 was chosen as the day when the international community would celebrate each year the International Day of Democracy.
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.
The theme for the 2016 celebration of the International day of democracy was “Democracy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. The event was organized by the United Nations Working Group on Democracy, which is a sub-group of the United Nations Executive Committee on Peace and Security. The special guest of honor had been David Nabarro, the General Secretary and Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; Ms. Paddy Torsney, Permanent Observer to the United Nations of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; and Mr. Diego Firpo, Chief Executive Officer of Un Techo para mi País.