IPU to mark International Day of Democracy on 15 September
The International Day of Democracy is celebrated around the world on 15 September each year. It was established through a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly in 2007, encouraging governments to strengthen and consolidate democracy.
We encourage all our Member Parliaments to mark the day with events and celebrations. Since the day was first observed in 2008, hundreds of parliamentary events have been held worldwide. These have included photo competitions, workshops for children, live televised debates, radio phone-ins and meetings with civil society organizations.
The International Day is an opportunity to review the state of democracy around the world. Each year highlights a specific theme.
Our support for International Democracy Day stems from our core belief that democracy requires the participation of all citizens. It is an opportunity to highlight the important role of parliaments, and to celebrate their capacity and mandate to deliver on justice, peace, development and human rights.
List of themes:
2025: Achieving gender equality, action by action
2024: Peace and democracy: Can ballots replace bullets?
2022 The IPU Universal Declaration on Democracy: 25 years on, has the declaration stood the test of time?
2021 Is democracy really in crisis?
2020 COVID-19 and democracy: Can parliaments come to the rescue?
2018 What if parliamentary oversight did not exist?
2016 “Democracy 2030”
2015 Public participation
2014 Engaging youth in democracy
2012 Dialogue and inclusiveness
2011 Expectations
2010 Accountability
2009 Political tolerance
2008 First International Day of Democracy
