The UN General Assembly declared on Thursday September 15 as the
International Day of Democracy with adoption of a new
resolution.
Adopting by consensus the resolution, the assembly recognized
that 2008 marked the twentieth anniversary of the first
International Conference of New or Restored Democracies, which
would offer a special opportunity to focus attention on the
promotion and consolidation of democracy at all levels.
As such, the world body decided to commemorate the International
Day, stressed that it should be brought to the attention of all
people for its celebration and observance, and invited hence all
member states to participate in a manner that contributed to
raising public awareness.
By the resolution, which was introduced by Germany during an
animated plenary debate on new or restored democracies, the
assembly reaffirmed that democracy was 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 life.
It also reaffirmed that while democracies share common features,
there is no single model of democracy.
The assembly further encouraged governments to strengthen
national programs devoted to promoting and consolidating democracy,
including through increased bilateral, regional and international
cooperation.
Also by the text, the assembly urged the secretary-general to
improve the United Nations' capacity to effectively respond to
states' needs by supporting their efforts to achieve good
governance and democratization.
(Xinhua News Agency November 9, 2007)
