International Day of Democracy

This year’s theme for the International Day of Democracy is focused on the importance of Artificial Intelligence as a tool for good governance. In his message for the observance, Secretary-General António Guterres notes that AI has the potential to enhance public participation, equality, security, and human development but warns that if “left unchecked” its dangers “could have serious implications for democracy, peace, and stability”. Effective governance of AI at all levels , including internationally, is crucial, states the Secretary-General recalling that the High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence recently released a report “with recommendations on harnessing AI benefits while mitigating risks”.

The report identifies the following principles that should guide the formation of new global AI governance institutions: Inclusivity : all citizens, including those in the Global South, should be able to access and meaningfully use AI tools. Public interest : governance should go beyond the do-no-harm principle and define a broader accountability framework for companies that build, deploy and control AI, as well as downstream users. Centrality of data governance : AI governance cannot be divorced from the governance of data and the promotion of data commons. Universal, networked and multistakeholder : AI governance should prioritize universal buy-in by countries and stakeholders. It should leverage existing institutions through a networked approach. International Law : AI governance needs to be anchored in the UN Charter, International Human Rights Law , and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Join the United Nations Democracy Fund, United Nations Office for Partnerships for a special event in the lead up to the International Day of Democracy: "Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement". This dynamic discussion will bring together diverse voices from civil society, academia, and the UN to explore the role of artificial intelligence in promoting and defending good governance and active citizen participation. Panelists will discuss how AI can enhance key democratic principles such as access to information, participation, and inclusion, while also addressing the risks it brings   High-level Events entitled "Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement." to mark the  International Day of Democracy 2024 . Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement. 10 September 11:00 AM-12:00 PM. Conference Room 8, UNHQ, New York. UN Democracy Fund and UN Partnerships Special Event | Organized in collaboration with UNESCO, UNODC and UNDP. Watch the e...

Similarly, UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is the first global policy framework for AI, focusing on its impact on political life and democracy. The report delves into the current and potential impact of AI on democracy and the benefits of digitalization for collective decision-making  Organized around four key themes - democratic expectations and disappointments of digitization, the new digital public sphere, the democracy of data , and democracy as a form of political decision-making - it offers recommendations for the democratic governance of artificial intelligence to mitigate negative impacts and promote a more democratic approach to AI governance.

The  UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF)  funds projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. The large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations -- both in the transition and consolidation phases of democratization . In this way, UNDEF plays a novel and unique role in complementing the UN's other, more traditional work -- the work with Governments -- to strengthen democratic governance around the world.

Democratic values are the foundational principles that support a system of government and society where people have fundamental freedoms, participate in free and fair elections, and are treated with equality and justice. Key values include human rights , equality, freedom o86f expression, the rule of law, political accountability, and the right to participate in government through processes like elections. Core Democratic Values : Respect for Human Rights: A commitment to upholding the inherent dignity and fundamental freedoms of all individuals. Equality : The principle that all people are equal and deserve fair and equal treatment, regardless of their background or identity. Fundamental Freedom : This includes the freedoms of speech, expression, religion, assembly, and the right to associate with others. Rule of Law : A system where laws are just, applied fairly to everyone, and where those in power are held accountable to them, preventing arbitrary rule. Free and Fair Elections : ...

Democracy  provides an environment for the protection and effective realization of human rights. The United Nations promotes good governance, monitors elections, supports civil society to strengthen democratic institutions and accountability , ensures self-determination in decolonized countries , and assists in the drafting of new constitutions in post-conflict nations .