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International Day of Democracy 2025

The International Day of Democracy will take place on 15 September 2025, marking 18 years since the UN General Assembly established it in 2007.

The United Nations

The UN itself will host an event “From Voice to Action”, on 15 September at the UN Headquarters in New York. The focus of the event will be enhancing democratic participation, renewing global commitment to democratic values, and the role of freedom of expression:

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.

UN Democracy Fund

It will also mark the 20^th anniversary of the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF), a UN fund established in 2005 by then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and welcomed in the 2005 World Summit Outcome. UNDEF is described by the UN as a fund that "supports civil society projects around the world that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes."

UNDEF’s terms of references sets out (PDF) how the fund should approach projects. In general, it welcomes projects that are aimed at strengthening democratic dialogue, civil society empowerment, civic education, freedom of information, and strengthening the rule of law.

UNDEF is funded by voluntary contributions from states and philanthropic institutions. According to UNDEF, the UK has contributed to the fund previously in 2005 and 2016.

Message of the UN Secretary-General

To mark the day of observance, the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, shared his message for 2025. He stated that “Democracy is powered by the will of the people - by their voices, their choices, and their participation.” Highlighting the challenges facing democracy, Guterres suggested that democracy and the rule of law are “under assault from disinformation, division, and shrinking civic space”. In light of these challenges, Guterres said the International Day of Democracy honours “the courage of people everywhere who are shaping their societies through dialogue, participation, and trust.”

Inter-Parliamentary Union

The Inter-Parliamentary Union also marks the International Day of Democracy each year with a specific theme, and proposed actions. In 2025, the theme will be “Achieving gender equality, action by action”. This is accompanied by 10 actions for gender equality, and promoting these in three key areas:

1. Promoting parity in parliament and politics
2. Encouraging gender-sensitive institutions
3. Combating gender-based violence and discrimination 

Further reading and resources

• United Nations, Guidance Note of the Secretary-General on Democracy (PDF), undated
• United Nations, Global Issues: Democracy
• UN Press Release, “‘Let Us Reaffirm Democracy as a Force for Dignity, Inclusion, Peace,’ Says Secretary-General in Message for International Day”, 3 September 2025
• United Nations Democracy Fund, Lessons Learned
• Inter-Parliamentary Union, Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action