International Democracy Day Events 2024
On September 15, the International Day of Democracy, we reflect on the state of democracy worldwide and the efforts needed to sustain it. Democracy is an ongoing process requiring active participation from the international community, governments, civil society, and individuals. A key component is freedom of expression, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, this right is often threatened. As we observe this day, let’s recognize that democracy requires continuous effort and active participation to protect human rights and uphold democratic values. Together, we can ensure that democracy’s principles are upheld for all.
Read moreWho We Are
The Global Democracy Coalition (GDC) was established in October 2021, convened by International IDEA alongside democracy organizations from around the world. The Coalition was formed with the primary goal of uniting organizations dedicated to the advancement of democracy, enabling them to engage collectively and constructively with the first Summit for Democracy, hosted by the United States government in December 2021. In preparation for this event, the GDC organized a Forum to influence the Summit’s agenda by placing critical issues at the forefront.
Initially an informal group, the GDC has since evolved into a strategic multi-stakeholder alliance comprising over 120 democracy organizations globally. The Coalition is committed to advancing and protecting democracy worldwide. It serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, experience-sharing, and advocacy not only around the Summits for Democracy but also beyond them, addressing broader global democracy challenges. Together, the Coalition works on strategic issues that are vital to the global democracy agenda.
The GDC held its second Forum ahead of the second Summit for Democracy on 28 February and 1 March 2023, continuing its role in shaping the global democracy discourse. Its third Forum from took place ahead of the third Summit for Democracy on 11-15 March 2024, featuring regional fora in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Accra, Ghana; Barcelona, Spain; and Seoul, South Korea. These regional events culminated in a Global Democracy Forum held in Seoul on 15 March, reinforcing the Coalition’s commitment to advancing democracy on a global scale.
In addition to its forum activities, the GDC launched the “Voice and Value of Democracy” campaign, an advocacy initiative designed to highlight the intrinsic value of democracy and amplify the voices of those who benefit from it. This campaign plays a key role in raising public awareness, advocating for stronger democratic institutions, and engaging a diverse range of stakeholders in the promotion and protection of democratic values worldwide.
The Voice and Value of Democracy Campaign
This campaign aims to counter negative narratives about democracy, elevate the benefits of democracy and empower individuals to actively support and uphold democratic values worldwide.
#ThankYouDemocracy
2024 Global Democracy Coalition Forum
The third Global Democracy Coalition Forum 2024 took place from 11-15 March, ahead of the Summit for Democracy in South Korea on 18-20 March. This week-long celebration featured hybrid regional democracy fora in Santo Domingo, Accra, Barcelona, and Seoul, ending with a Global Democracy Forum in Seoul. These events facilitated dialogue among global democracy organizations, policymakers, and advocates, exploring regional perspectives and solutions to democracy’s challenges, and shaping discussions for the Summit for Democracy.
Read moreOur Coalition Partners
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Funders and Donors
The Global Democracy Coalition Forum is supported by the Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH Foundation, Ford Foundation, and International IDEA. It would also not be possible without the generous contributions of time and effort of all the participating partners.
