IPC celebrates International Day of Democracy, 15 September

International Day of Democracy is a United Nations' day of observation celebrated annually.

Founded on the 20th anniversary of the First International Conference of the New or Restored Democracies, the purpose of this day is to review the state of democracy around the world and uphold and promote democratic principles.

The IPC is proud to support this important day each year, with this year's theme focusing on Democracy under Strain: Solutions for a Changing World.

Democracy is a universal value based on the freely spoken and expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems in all aspects of their lives.

This year's International Day of Democracy is an opportunity to look for ways to invigorate democracy and seek answers to the systemic challenges it faces. This includes tackling economic and political inequalities, making democracies more inclusive by bringing the young and marginalized into the political system, and making democracies more innovative and responsive to emerging challenges such as migration and climate change.

On International Day of Democracy, individuals and organisations hold events to raise awareness of democracy, including conferences, discussions and debates, press conferences and publicity campaigns.  Major events are also held at UN headquarters.

For more information go to http://www.un.org/en/events/democracyday/