2013 - EVENTS & activities
In 2007 UN General Assembly resolution 62/7 decided that each year, 15 September should be observed as the International Day of Democracy. Since then, hundreds of IDD events have been held in over 90 countries.
Marking the day
Events 2013
The events listed below are some of the ways in which countries in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Pacific are marking International Day of Democracy 2013, under the theme 'Strengthening voices for democracy'.
Algeria
The Algerian Parliament organized a special debate on 15 September to mark the International Day of Democracy. Two prominent academic figures were invited to discuss the role of citizens in a democratic society.
Andorra
To celebrate the International Day of Democracy 2013, the Parliament of Andorra opened its doors for a free concert of classical music. The event was introduced by a speech from the Vice-President of Parliament.
Australia
IDD was chosen as the date to launch the MOVEMENT campaign, which aims to engage the Millennial Generation (born between 1982 and 2003) with democracy. The campaign will search for a Millennial Leader and initiate discussions about millennial values and actions.
The Australian House of Representatives is a partner in the project and will organise a one to two week program at Parliament House in Canberra for the young person who is eventually elected as the Millennial Leader in Australia.
Bangladesh
On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, the first woman Speaker of the Bangladeshi Parliament, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, gave a message highlighting that the progress of democracy can be strengthened by respecting democratic norms and values.
Belarus
Parliamentarians met citizens and workers associations, answering questions regarding legislative process and activities of the House of Representatives.
Bolivia
The Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved a written homage to the International Day of Democracy, highlighting the role of dialogue and the participation of citizens in parliamentary activities.
Brazil
The President of the Brazilian IPU Group made a speech in the Senate about the International Day of Democracy.
Cameroon
The Secretary General of the Cameroonian parliament, Victor Yene Ossomba, gave a speech to mark the International Day of Democracy. He called on citizens to put democracy in action by casting their votes during the country’s upcoming elections on 30 September.
Canada
Canada's Democracy Week, running from 16 to 23 September 2013, will include events and activities across the country. University students and panelists will exchange ideas about the importance of democracy and voting, while democracy programmes will be launched to foster youth engagement in society.
Chile
The IPU's Press Release has been translated into Spanish and published on the Chamber of Deputies’ website.
Costa Rica
During a speech to parliament and civil servants marking Independence Day and the International Day of Democracy, the Speaker described Costa Rica as a peaceful country committed to strengthening democracy and citizens’ engagement in politics. Celebrations featured traditional Costa Rican music and folk dancing.
Cyprus
On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, the President of the House of Representatives gave a speech before the beginning of the plenary sitting, focusing on dialogue and reinforcement of democratic institutions.
Czech Republic
The Czech parliament organized a special seminar on Democracy Day to give secondary school students an insight into how elections and parliament work in the country.
Ecuador
Ecuador is holding a Democracy Week to mark its first national celebration of the International Day of Democracy. It will feature a whole host of activities across 24 provinces from 9 to 15 September.
Ethiopia
Both chambers of the Ethiopian parliament took part in a forum to mark the sixth International Day of Democracy. A research paper prepared by the Ministry of Federal Affairs on 'Religious Freedom and the Development of Democracy in Ethiopia' was presented to the forum and discussed.
Germany
While the level of satisfaction with democracy amongst Germans is growing, election turnout is on the wane. To tackle the issue, the German parliament has launched a campaign to boost voter numbers ahead of federal elections on 22 September 2013.
Haiti
The leadership of the Haitian IPU group issued a joint statement addressed to Haitian citizens and political organizations.
India
The Parliament of India commemorated the International Day of Democracy on 15th September 2013 by organising a debate on ‘Challenges to Indian Democracy’ with Members of Parliament, civil society representatives and journalists.
Indonesia
As a tribute to the International Democracy Day, the Indonesian House of Representatives will run its annual Youth Parliament from 25-29 October 2013. This event, held every year since 2009, aims to inform young people about democracy and how the Indonesian parliament works. Approximately 136 high-school students will be selected to take part in the Youth Parliament through an essay contest
Japan
International Day of Democracy posters were displayed inside the Japanese parliament as well as the Parliamentary Museum and the National Diet Library.
Kuwait
The Speaker of the Kuwaiti parliament, Marzouq Al-Ghanim, issued a statement to mark the International Day of Democracy.
Malawi
The parliament of Malawi organized a day of activities with the local community in Ngabu, Chikhwawa District. The Deputy Speaker opened the day, which included a Question and Answer session, a panel discussion with MPs and community-based song, dance and drama.
Mali
The Malian parliament celebrated IDD with a speech from the Deputy Speaker who said that parliament lay at the heart of political tolerance and national reconciliation.
Malta
The Maltese Parliament published an article in the Parliamentary Quarterly publication in September 2013.
Montenegro
The Parliament of Montenegro held two-days of workshops introducing school children to democracy.
Morocco
The Speaker of the Moroccan parliament, Karim Ghellab, gave a speech to youth organizations and UNDP representatives to mark the International Day of Democracy. He emphasized the importance of involving young people in politics and parliamentary activities.
Myanmar
The International Day of Democracy was celebrated at the Parliament building. The event was introduced by a message from the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Panama
The Electoral Tribunal of Panama organized a public walk on the Amador Causeway in Panama City as a tribute to the International Day of Democracy. Under the theme “Let’s walk together for democracy”, the event aimed to create awareness of the efforts by both the Electoral Tribunal and the Panamanian community to defend and promote democratic values, namely: tolerance, peace, transparency, respect, equality, integrity, pluralism and honesty.
Peru
Public and private organizations in Peru took part in a day of artistic celebrations under the theme “Democracy in our hands”. Festivities kicked off in the San Martín Plaza in the Peruvian capital Lima while numerous events took place in cities across the country.
Philippines
The Senate adopted Resolution No. 256 expressing its willingness to join the parliaments around the world in commemorating the Sixth International Day of Democracy.
Republic of Korea
The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea issued an official statement to mark the Day. He highlighted the importance of tolerance in developing a more dynamic democracy.
San Marino
The Captains Regent (Head of State) in San Marino marked the International Day of Democracy by releasing a statement advocating a genuine democratic culture characterized by dialogue, the rule of law, respect for others and responsible participation by all citizens.
Serbia
An issue of the Bulletin of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia was devoted to the International Day of Democracy.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s National Commission for Democracy is organizing week-long celebrations in the capital Freetown and across the country. It is also planning to award institutions which stand-out in championing citizens’ views and opinions.
Slovenia
The IPU's Press Release has been translated into Slovenian and published on the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia’s website.
Trinidad and Tobago
To celebrate the Day, the Speaker of the House read a statement about the importance of observing democracy. In addition, posters and a research paper “Better Parliaments, Better Democracies” were published in newspapers across the country.
Ukraine
The Ukranian parliament marked IDD by hosting round-table discussions between government and civil society on access to information and European integration.
United Arab Emirates
The Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates marked the Day with a statement highlighting the gradual political empowerment and participation in the country.
United Kingdom
The UK Parliament held a reception with MPs and the diplomatic community on 10 September and hosted an information stand in Parliament the following day. The British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union also hosted a charity pub quiz for members and staff to raise funds for a street children project in Senegal.
United States of America
The role of parliamentarians in strengthening democracy was the theme of a conference organized by the Parliamentary Forum for Democracy in Washington D.C. on 18 September, which was attended by Hon. John Boehner, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Uruguay
MPs in both Chambers of the Uruguayan parliament gave speeches on the subject of democracy to mark the day. Parliament also organized a meeting on the issue of “Democracy and Participation”, looking in particular at the political participation of women and young people. The national postal service “Correo Uruguayo” issued a stamp to commemorate the International Day of Democracy.
Yemen
The Speaker of the Yemeni Parliament marked the International Day of Democracy with a speech in the parliamentary ceremonial hall. He cited parliament as the central institution of democracy, which embodies the will of the people and expresses the aspirations of all sections of society.
Zambia
A mobile roadshow and a specially-composed song featured in the Zambian parliament's celebration of the International Day of Democracy. They are part of a programme of events to encourage citizens to give their views on how they can be better heard.
Arab Parliament
The Arab Parliament organized a debate with MPs, diplomats, academics and civil society groups on how to assure commitment to democratic values, guarantee human rights and develop democratic institutions.
East African Legislative Assembly
The East African Legislative Assembly passed a resolution calling on members of the East African Community to celebrate the International Day of Democracy annually, and to create greater public awareness of democracy.
European Parliament
The European Parliament (EP) President and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe issued a joint statement about the International Day of Democracy. The EP also tweeted about Democracy Day in the many different languages of the Union.
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a statement on the International Day of Democracy and issued a joint statement with European Parliament.
United Nations
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement on the Day, highlighting the role of inclusive participation.
The United Nations Working Group on Democracy and the International Peace Institute (IPI) co-organized a policy forum that focused on the UN’s efforts to promote democratization through its various field presences, in commemoration of the International Day of Democracy.
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