International Day of Democracy 2025: Every year, the world observes the International Day of Democracy on September 15. It’s a day to remind everyone to protect freedom, respect democratic values, and involve people in decision-making. In 2025, the day feels even more important as many countries are dealing with challenges like political divides, fake news, and less space for citizens to raise their voices. But what’s the history behind this day? Why is this day observed?
History of International Day of Democracy
The word democracy comes from two Greek terms, ‘demos’ meaning citizen of a city-state and ‘kratos’ meaning ‘power’ or ‘rule.’ Democracy is a system where people have the right to choose their leaders and be part of decisions that impact their lives.
The International Day of Democracy has its roots in the Universal Declaration on Democracy, adopted on September 15, 1997, by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a group of national parliaments from around the world. Ten years later, Qatar pushed for a special day to celebrate democratic values. On November 8, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring September 15 as the International Day of Democracy. The first celebration took place in 2008.
Significance of International Day of Democracy
The United Nations (UN) describes the day as an opportunity to reflect on the state of democracy worldwide. According to the UN, “Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of the international community can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality.”
In 2025, the International Day of Democracy feels more important than ever. Fake news, political clashes, and less chances for people to raise their voices are creating growing concerns about how strong democracies will remain in the future. At the same time, people are asking for more accountability, honesty, and inclusion from their governments. This day is a reminder that democracy is not just about voting, it also protects free speech, fairness, equality, and human rights.
Marking the 18th International Day of Democracy
This year marks the 18th International Day of Democracy, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres explains “the courage of people everywhere who are shaping their societies through dialogue, participation, and trust.” He explains in a statement to the UN that these efforts are more vital than ever “at a time when democracy and the rule of law are under assault from disinformation, division, and shrinking civic space.”
To observe the day, the UN Democracy Fund will host an event on Monday, September 15, at UN Headquarters under the theme ‘From Voice to Action.’ As per UN official website, the event will focus on how people’s participation in democracy can grow stronger through trust, open conversations, and shared decision-making. Based on the idea of ‘We the Peoples,’ it hopes to show that democracy is not just a system, but a force that gives people hope, power, and a sense of working together.
How is International Day of Democracy celebrated?
Every year, the International Day of Democracy is observed with a different theme, but the main aim stays the same, to promote democracy as a basic right and a pillar of peace and good governance.
Events such as debates, workshops, lectures, and awareness campaigns are held across the globe. Schools and universities often organise discussions to educate students about their roles as future voters and leaders. NGOs, and several media platforms run campaigns to encourage public participation.
In India, the day is observed in schools, colleges, and public institutions to remind people about the democratic values written in the Constitution.