The International Conferences on New and Restored Democracies (ICNRD) process was initiated in 1988 as an inter-governmental forum that focuses on reaffirming democracy and democratic values. In this manner, it decided to promote an International Day of Democracy. In September 1997 the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted a Universal Declaration on Democracy, which affirms the principles of democracy, the elements and exercise of democratic government, and the international scope of democracy. In 2007 at the suggestion of the IPU, the United Nations (UN) declared September 15 International Day of Democracy, stating that “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 life,” and that “while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region.”

On this day the UN encourages member states, civil society and all citizens to promote democracy and human rights, but to also discuss the strengths and limitations of democracy.

UPI describes:
Democracy is both an ideal and a set of institutions and practices. As an ideal, it expresses two very simple principles:
• that the members of any group or association should have control over the group's rules and policies; and
• that those members should treat each other, and be treated, as equals.
In modern states, these principles are realized through a continually evolving and complex set of institutions and practices that include:
• a legal framework that guarantees peoples' rights;
• governing institutions that are representative and accountable to the people;
• an active citizen body or civil society; and
• political parties that articulate the views and aspirations of the people.

How would you define democracy?
What can each of us do to promote democracy?