International Day of Democracy Date in the current year: September 15, 2024

September 15 was chosen to be International Day of Democracy to commemorate adoption of a Universal Declaration on Democracy by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 1997. The Declaration affirmed the principles and elements of democracy exercised by the democratic government and the international scope of democracy. According to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, democracy is a powerful factor stimulating respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, supporting intentional peace, safety and social economic progress.

The UN General Assembly calls on the Member States, regional, intergovernmental and non-governmental institutions and organizations and individuals to observe International Democracy Day, thus drawing attention to the state of democracy around the world and raise public awareness of it. A new slogan and theme are chosen every year to highlight one of the aspects of democracy and assist its promotion and strengthening.