UN Democracy Day is celebrated on 15 September. The adoption by the UN of its ‘Guidance Note on Democracy’, issued in 2009 by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, highlights the fundamental significance of democracy to the UN’s operations and goals – even though, as a word, it is not mentioned in the United Nations Charter.

Roland Rich, head of the United Nations Democracy Fund, comments that this is ‘a forthright document that deals with some of the more difficult issues faced by the international community with regard to the democratization process.’

Read more about UN Democracy Day at the United Nations website. A video message from the United Nations Secretary-General can be viewed at the UN website.