Secretary-General's message on the International Day of Democracy
United Nations Secretary-General
New York
15 September 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.
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