BGIPU Week of Events to mark The International Day of Democracy 2013

09/09/2013 to 12/09/2013

The BGIPU will be marking the International Day of Democracy (15 September) and promoting the work of our membership with a series of thematic events across Parliament during the week commencing 9 September. The events will embrace the theme of this year’s International Day of Democracy of “Strengthening Voices for Democracy”.

BGIPU Week | 9 – 13 September

Details of the events are as follows, and further information will provided in due course;

. Tuesday 10 September | A reception for Parliamentarians and the Diplomatic Corps to celebrate this year’s theme – “Strengthening Voices for Democracy” with a particular focus on strengthening youth participation in politics | IPU Room | 1730 – 1900

. Wednesday 11 September | BGIPU Information Stand | Come and find out more about BGIPU and its activities | Portcullis House Atrium

. Thursday 12 September | A fundraising quiz for street children charities open for Members and Parliamentary Staff | 1800 – 2000 | Moncrieff’s Cafe

The International Day of Democracy

On 8 November 2007, the General Assembly proclaimed 15 September as the International Day of Democracy, inviting Member States, the United Nations System and other regional, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to commemorate the Day. The International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.

You can read the statement issued by IPU President Abdelwahad Radi to mark the day here.

IPU and Democracy

Established in 1889, the Inter-Parliamentary Union is the world organization of parliaments. The IPU promotes democracy, in particular by strengthening the institution of parliament.

A parliament does not guarantee democracy, but there can be no democracy without a parliament
It was in September 1997 that the Inter-Parliamentary Union adopted a Universal Declaration on Democracy. That Declaration affirms the principles of democracy, the elements and exercise of democratic government, and the international scope of democracy.

Over the years, the IPU has helped to develop democratic principles of governance and international standards for free and fair elections, and has helped to establish parliamentary systems in more than 50 countries. It has developed guidelines for good practices in parliaments, and methods for assessing parliamentary performance.

The Organization also assists the more than 40,000 parliamentarians around the world in representing their constituents freely and safely. In 1976, the IPU founded its Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, which investigates violations of these rights. The IPU also encourages women’s participation in political life and monitors their progress in politics around the world. In doing so, the IPU has become the recognized authority in this field.

In addition, the IPU encourages parliamentary involvement in international relations and promotes parliamentary diplomacy through its twice-yearly Assemblies, at which parliamentarians from around the world meet to exchange views and take positions on issues of immediate global concern.

BGIPU Secretariat