UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes the importance of making democracies more inclusive, innovative, and responsive to emerging challenges. He urges global efforts to invigorate democratic systems and values, addressing essential questions regarding the impact of migration, climate change, and new technologies on democracy. Guterres, whose personal history is intertwined with democracy, calls for collective commitment to safeguarding democratic principles. The theme for this year’s International Day of Democracy is “Democracy under Strain: Solutions for a Changing World,” coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the values of freedom and respect for human rights within democratic societies.
