International Day of Democracy. Steptember.15th.
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The International Day of Democracy, September 15th.
The
International day of democracy, observed on September 15th each year, was
established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. This day provides
an opportunity for governments, organizations, and individuals to reflect on
the fundamental principles of democracy worldwide to promote and uphold
them. It serves as a reminder of the importance of democratic values and
institutions in our global society.
Origins :
The concept of democracy dates back to ancient Greece, where it
was practiced in the city-state of Athens as early as the 5th century BC.
However, the modern understanding of democracy has evolved significantly over
the centuries. The roots of the International Day of Democracy can be traced
back to the early 20th century when several countries began adopting democratic
principles and practices.
The United Nations, founded in 1945, played a pivotal role in
promoting democracy as one of its core values. 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.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, enshrined in
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But around the world,
there are governments and those wielding power who find many ways to obstruct
it.
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states,
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right
includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and
impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
The link between democracy and press freedom is also enshrined in
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Over time, the UN recognized the need for a
dedicated day to celebrate and raise awareness about democracy globally. This
led to the establishment of the International Day of Democracy in 2007.
Significance :
The International Day of Democracy holds great significance in the
contemporary world for several reasons :
Promotion of Democratic Values: It serves as a platform
to promote democratic values such as freedom, equality, and respect for human
rights. Democracy is not just a political system but also a set of principles
that underpin human dignity and well-being.
Global Cooperation: The day encourages countries to
collaborate and exchange ideas on how to strengthen democratic institutions and
practices. It fosters international cooperation in support of democratic
governance.
Awareness and Education: It raises awareness among
citizens about the importance of democracy and their role in preserving and
enhancing it. Educational events and campaigns are often organized to inform
people about democratic processes.
Accountability and Transparency:
Democracy thrives on accountability and transparency. The day reminds
governments and institutions of their responsibility to be open and accountable
to the people they serve.
Peace and Stability: Democracy is closely linked to
peace and stability. By promoting democratic governance, the International Day
of Democracy contributes to conflict prevention and resolution.
Key Themes and Objectives :
Each year, the International Day of Democracy focuses on a
specific theme to address contemporary challenges and opportunities. Some of
the key themes and objectives that have been highlighted in previous years
include:
The theme for International Day of Democracy 2024 is
"Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement"
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International Day of Democracy
15 September 2024.
Artificial intelligence as a tool for good governance is the focus
of this year's Democracy Day.
Ensuring effective governance of AI at all levels
This year’s theme for the International Day of Democracy is
focused on the importance of Artificial Intelligence as a tool for good
governance.
In his message for the observance, Secretary-General António
Guterres notes that AI has the potential to enhance public participation,
equality, security, and human development but warns that if “left unchecked”
its dangers “could have serious implications for democracy, peace, and
stability”.
Effective governance of AI at all levels, including
internationally, is crucial, states the Secretary-General recalling that the
High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence recently released a report
“with recommendations on harnessing AI benefits while mitigating risks”.
Recommendations: AI tools must be available for everyone
The report identifies the following principles that should guide
the formation of new global AI governance institutions:
Inclusivity: all citizens, including those in the Global
South, should be able to access and meaningfully use AI tools.
Public interest: governance should go beyond the
do-no-harm principle and define a broader accountability framework for
companies that build, deploy and control AI, as well as downstream users.
Centrality of data governance: AI governance cannot be
divorced from the governance of data and the promotion of data commons.
Universal, networked and multistakeholder: AI
governance should prioritize universal buy-in by countries and stakeholders. It
should leverage existing institutions through a networked approach.
International Law: AI governance needs to be
anchored in the UN Charter,International Human Rights Law, and the Sustainable
Development Goals.
Analyzing the impact of AI in democracies :
Similarly, UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of
Artificial Intelligence is the first global policy framework for AI, focusing
on its impact on political life and democracy. The report delves into the
current and potential impact of AI on democracy and the benefits of digitalization
for collective decision-making
Organized around four key themes - democratic expectations and
disappointments of digitization, the new digital public sphere, the democracy
of data, and democracy as a form of political decision-making - it offers
recommendations for the democratic governance of artificial intelligence to
mitigate negative impacts and promote a more democratic approach to AI
governance.
The year (2023 )theme for the International Day
of Democracy, “Empowering the next generation,” focuses on young people’s
essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are
included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world today and
the future.
2022
The theme for International Day of Democracy 2022 is
"Protecting Press Freedom for Democracy".
2021
The theme for International Day of Democracy 2021 was
"Strengthening democratic resilience in the face of future crises".
2020 - "COVID-19: A Spotlight on Democracy": This theme
emphasized how the pandemic affected democratic processes and highlighted the
importance of maintaining democratic principles during crises.
2019 - "Participation": The focus was on encouraging
citizens to engage in political processes and decision-making, including voting
and active participation in civil society.
2018 - "Democracy under Strain: Solutions for a Changing
World": This theme explored the challenges facing democracy in the 21st
century and sought innovative solutions to strengthen democratic institutions.
2017 - "Democracy and Conflict Prevention": Highlighted the
role of democracy in preventing conflicts and fostering peace.
2016 - "Democracy and the Sustainable Development Goals":
Examined how democracy contributes to achieving the UN's Sustainable
Development Goals.
The International Day of Democracy continues to be highly
relevant. Democracy faces numerous challenges globally, including the rise of
authoritarianism, threats to press freedom, and concerns about the erosion of
democratic norms. Therefore, the observance of this day remains critical in
promoting and safeguarding democratic principles.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to
democratic processes, such as restrictions on public gatherings and changes in
electoral procedures. These challenges have underscored the need for resilient
democratic systems that can adapt to crises while maintaining the integrity of
elections and citizen participation.
Finally the International Day of Democracy serves as an annual
reminder of the importance of democratic values and institutions in our world.
It encourages global cooperation, raises awareness, and addresses contemporary
challenges to democracy.
Empowering the next generation,” focuses on young people’s
essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are
included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world today and
the future.
As we move forward, the promotion and protection of
democracy continue to be essential for peace, stability, and the well-being of
all nations and their citizens.
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CH. KRUPA BALANANDAM,
S. A. ( S.S).
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