Today, we
celebrate the International Day of Democracy. Democracy is an ideal which
recognizes that every human being has equal dignity and the same fundamental
freedoms: the freedoms of thought, belief, expression and movement.
These
universal values are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
whose 70th anniversary we are celebrating this year, and permeate the UNESCO
Constitution. If culture, education, science, communication and information,
which UNESCO aims to promote throughout the world, are not upheld by universal
values, or if they exclude part of humankind and do not contribute to greater
peace and justice, then they lose their essence.
Democracy is
not only a moral ideal, but also a political and legal principle. Democracy is
organized, constructed and deepened through the granting of political rights to
participate in the joint development of laws and institutions, through free
elections by universal suffrage, through a system of checks and balances
inherent in a State governed by the rule of law, through a free and independent
press, and through active citizens and an open and dynamic civil society.
UNESCO is actively involved in the promotion of citizenship and works closely
with many civil society partners.
One of the
defining features of the democratic spirit is the belief that more is obtained
through dialogue, consultation and mediation than through coercion and
arbitrary practices: in short, the law must prevail over the use of force. The
democratic ideal is inextricably linked to a commitment to the peaceful
resolution of conflicts and an aspiration for peace. UNESCO bears this
aspiration like a standard.
The
democratic ideal is an incentive to work relentlessly to ensure greater
equality, freedom and justice, the right to quality education for all, the
right to information, the right to dignified living conditions, a healthy
environment and decent employment. For this reason, the United Nations 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development is the ramification of this ideal,
growing ever-deeper according to the new challenges faced by each new
generation, and at the beginning of the twenty-first century, these
difficulties look set to continue.
This
International Day is an opportunity, particularly in this anniversary year of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to examine the progress made
in the democratic ideal worldwide and in the respect for fundamental rights and
freedoms. Let us rally together to ensure that the promise of peace and justice
borne by democracy is fulfilled.