International Democracy Day Celebrated on September 15.

(September 15, 2011) Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. While democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy. Activities carried out by the United Nations in support of efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate democracy are undertaken in accordance with the UN Charter, and only at the specific request of the Member States concerned. The UN General Assembly in 2007 through a resolution encouraged Governments to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy, and also decided that 15 September of each year should be observed as the International Day of Democracy. The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message for the day said that this year has been a remarkable one in the history of democracy. Millions of people participated in the dramatic events in the Middle East, North Africa and beyond and yet more followed with intense interest. This year also served as a reminder that democracy cannot be exported or imposed from abroad; it must be generated by the will of the people and nurtured by a strong and active civil society. The world saw the truth of the saying that countries do not become fit for democracy; they become fit through democracy. He called on people to redouble their efforts to support all people, in particular the young – the drivers of this year’s momentous events – in making democracy a working reality. This Day belongs to them and we honour their commitment to their journey in democracy. "