A renewed global commitment to democratic values

Democracy draws its strength from people: their voices, their choices, and their participation in shaping their societies. It flourishes when rights are protected, particularly for those most often left behind.

Marking the 18th International Day of Democracy 2025 United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted “the courage of people everywhere who are shaping their societies through dialogue, participation, and trust” deeming these efforts as more vital than ever “at a time when democracy and the rule of law are under assault from disinformation, division, and shrinking civic space.”

The UN Democracy Fund will host an event on the International Day of Democracy on Monday 15th September at UN Headquarters to highlight how democratic participation can be transformed “From Voice to Action”. In a time of shrinking civic space and rising disinformation, building trust, dialogue, and shared decision-making is more urgent than ever. Rooted in the principle of “We the Peoples,” this event aims to show democracy as a living force for agency, hope, and cooperation.

20 Years of UNDEF: Powering democracy with people first

For 20 years, the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) has played a crucial role in advancing democratic values across the globe. Since its founding, UNDEF has supported civil society, inclusive participation, and strengthened institutions that uphold human rights and the rule of law. Its projects have reached grassroots communities, giving voice to the marginalized, promoting gender equality, and encouraging transparent governance. Through funding more than one thousand initiatives, UNDEF has become a vital force in helping people shape their own futures through dialogue, civic engagement, and democratic innovation.

Over two decades, UNDEF's impact has been especially significant in places where democracy is fragile or under threat. By investing in civil society organizations, independent media, and youth-led movements, the Fund has helped create resilient democratic cultures from the ground up. In an era marked by disinformation, authoritarianism, and shrinking civic space, UNDEF’s work remains more relevant than ever. As we mark this 20-year milestone, we celebrate not only the Fund's achievements, but also the courage of the individuals and communities it supports—those who continue to defend democracy as a force for dignity, inclusion, and peace.

Background

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.

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