Every year on 15 September, the world marks the International Day of Democracy, a moment to reflect, take stock, and renew our collective commitment to democratic values.
It is a day to remember that democracy is not self-sustaining — it depends on people defending it, living it, and strengthening it every day.
The present global picture of democracy is mixed. According to The Global State of Democracy Report 2025 by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, the number of countries experiencing democratic decline now exceeds the number seeing democratic gains.
One of the sharpest setbacks has been in freedom of the press: between 2019 and 2024, 43 countries saw deterioration in this area, nearly a quarter of those covered.
Civil liberties such as freedom of expression, the right to assemble, and access to justice are also eroding in many regions.
Even countries with long democratic traditions are not immune. In Germany, where institutions remain strong and society vibrant, researchers observe declines in certain areas, including representation, civil liberties, and freedom of association.
Germany still ranks among the top 25 % of democracies worldwide, but the trend is a reminder that democracy requires constant vigilance.
Meanwhile, on the global stage, progress on representation of women is slow: women today hold just 27.2 % of parliamentary seats, up from only 11.3 % in 1995.
But democracy is not only a system of government; it is part of everyday life. It shapes whether communities can influence the political decisions that affect them, whether diverse voices are heard, and whether institutions act transparently and accountably.
It determines if the media can investigate freely, if corruption is checked, and if all people enjoy equal rights under the law.
Around the world, democratic backsliding often does not happen in dramatic coups but rather in gradual erosion — the weakening and the restriction of civil society, or the quiet limiting of free assembly.
The International Day of Democracy calls on each of us to ask what we can do to resist this erosion. Democracy thrives when citizens engage — by voting, by participating in civil society, by demanding accountability.
It is protected when societies support free and independent media, stand up for the right to protest and speak freely, and push for inclusivity so that minorities, refugees, and women are not left out of decision-making.
It grows stronger when we invest in civic education and critical thinking, so that people not only know their rights but can also use them with confidence.
We know that democracy depends on solidarity — across borders, across communities, across generations.
Democracy is never finished. It demands care, courage, and participation.
On this International Day of Democracy, let us renew our promise to defend and deepen it — not out of nostalgia for the past, but with conviction for the future.
A just, free, and equal society is not only possible; it is our responsibility to build it together.
Yours
sincerely
