International Day of Democracy 2025 - UN Chief message | United Nations

Video message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Democracy 2025. "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." More info: https://www.un.org/en/observances/democracy-day


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