UN declares 15 September as International Day of Democracy
Stressing the continuing need to promote democratization, development and respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms, the General Assembly today agreed to observe 15 September each year as the International Day of Democracy.
In adopting by consensus a resolution on the issue, the 192-member body reaffirmed that "while democracies share common
features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region."
In addition, the Assembly reaffirmed that democracy is "a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people
to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of
life."
The Assembly also invited all Member States, organizations of the UN system, regional and intergovernmental
organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals to commemorate the Day "in an appropriate manner
that contributes to raising public awareness."
In taking today's action, the Assembly recognized that 2008 marked the twentieth anniversary of the first International
Conference of New or Restored Democracies, which offers a special opportunity to focus attention on the promotion and
consolidation of democracy at all levels.
ENDS