HOME -> PROMOTING DEMOCRACY -> INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY

15 September The choice by the United Nations of 15 September for the International Day of Democracy corresponds to the adoption in September 1997 by the IPU of a Universal Declaration on Democracy. That Declaration affirms the principles of democracy, the elements and exercise of democratic government. Statement by Mr. Abdelwahad Radi, IPU President "We must ensure that democracy and its institutions are truly inclusive and able to solve today's problems through dialogue"

Dialogue and inclusiveness - central to democracy

Democracy requires: strong parliamentsfree and fair electionsguaranteed human rightsgender equality and non-discriminationactive civil societyeffective political partiesindependent media

"Democracy is founded on the right of everyone to take part in the management of public affairs" (Universal Declaration on Democracy). What separates democracy from other political philosophies is the principle and practice of solving differences first and foremost through dialogue. The ability to listen and understand is sometimes as, if not more, important than our ability to speak.	Learn facts and figures about democracy and the world of parliaments. Order illustrative material issued by the IPU for the International Day of Democracy or download electronic copies of posters, leaflets and documents.	The IPU is organizing a series of activities in connection with the International Day of Democracy. The IPU also encourages parliaments to hold their own commemorative events. Regularly updated information about such events is posted on our website.
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The word "democracy" comes from two Greek words: demos, which means "the people", and kratein, which means "to rule". Throughout history, democracies have flourished, been threatened or replaced by authoritarian rule only to re-emerge in societies all over the world today.	Parliament sometimes seems to be a remote institution that is distant from ordinary citizens. However, the institution of parliament, and individual parliamentarians, have a duty to reach out to the people, in order to be able to articulate their concerns more effectively.	An exhibition of political caricatures from the early 20th century to the present is on display at the IPU Headquarters. Most of the works are available for viewing on this website.
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