Our videos. Our people and partners talk about our work towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Democracy is powered by the will of the people -- by their voices, their choices, and their participation. It thrives when the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all are upheld -- especially the most vulnerable.  A democracy that excludes is no democracy at all. To those who seek to discredit or undermine democracy, I say this:  I lived under a dictatorship. And, along with many others, I helped rebuild democracy in Portugal. I know the difference. Today, as we mark 18 years of this International Day -- and 20 years of the UN Democracy Fund -- we honour the courage of people everywhere who are shaping their societies through dialogue, participation, and trust. At a time when democracy and the rule of law are under assault from disinformation, division, and shrinking civic space, these efforts are more vital than ever. The United Nations itself is a forum for dialogue — rooted in the opening words of our Charter, “We the peoples.”  This is a powerful reminder that our legitimacy and purpose derive from those we serve. Let us reaffirm democracy as a force for dignity, inclusion, and peace -- and work together to ensure it delivers for all.