The Second International Day of Democracy
15 September 2009
"Democracy is not only an end in itself; it contributes powerfully to economic and social progress, international peace and security and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms."Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message on the International Day of Democracy, 15 September 2009
An Afghan woman exercises her right to vote in
the Presidential and Provincial Council Elections.
UN Photo/Eric Kanalstein
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.
This year's commemoration is the second International Day of Democracy, and it provides another 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, the national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.