Democracies and Sustainable Development
Democracy is a government that puts people’s choices at the heart of decisions, where all citizens have the power to choose their leaders and hold them accountable. It combines free and fair elections, with laws that are clear, transparent and protect people’s rights. It also includes a stable and independent judiciary, respect for human rights and a culture of participation in civil society. Democracy is essential for achieving sustainable development.
The word ‘democracy’ is derived from two Greek words, demos (citizens of the city-state of Athens) and kratos (power or rule). In this system, laws, policies and major undertakings are decided by the people, which was initially defined as all free adult males in ancient Athens and 19th century Britain but today is understood to include all eligible citizens. Democracy is often described as a ‘rule of the majority’, but it also involves a balance of power between the state and different groups within society. It is a complex system that requires all members to play their part, whether by voting, taking part in public debate or engaging with their civic responsibility through volunteering and activism.
Research shows that democracy delivers economic benefits and a higher quality of life than other forms of governance. But it is not a panacea and must be protected from corruption, polarization and other challenges that can undermine its core principles.
A democratic society values equality and the rights of individuals, based on fundamental freedoms such as those related to movement, association and belief. It has a history of overcoming racial and ethnic inequalities; delivering significant advances in technology, health care and economic growth; and advancing women, LGBTQ people and indigenous people toward full equality. It has also overcome a civil war, natural disasters, recessions and depressions.
But the world’s democracies are facing a number of threats including terrorism, climate change and income inequality. Some governments have been tempted to turn away from democracy in favour of authoritarian regimes and a form of governance that is less responsive to the people’s wishes. In addition, some people have become disillusioned with the results of democratic elections and believe that their votes don’t count.
Democracy must be defended as the best way to manage disagreement and conflict, ensuring that everyone’s voices are heard. We must also be vigilant about identifying and responding to the signs that democracy is under threat.
Despite these challenges, the evidence continues to show that democracy is better at protecting people than alternative systems like dictatorships and monarchies. However, we must continually improve democracy to address the challenges of our time. Only then can it deliver the social, environmental and economic benefits we need. To do this, we need to work together as a global community. To do that, we must understand what democracy is, what it means to be a democratic citizen and what can be done to make it stronger. This is why the United Nations is committed to advancing democracy and good governance worldwide.
Democracy is a government that puts people’s choices at the heart of decisions, where all citizens have the power to choose their leaders and hold them accountable. It combines free and fair elections, with laws that are clear, transparent and protect people’s rights. It also includes a stable and independent judiciary, respect for human rights and a culture of participation in civil society. Democracy is essential for achieving sustainable development. The word ‘democracy’ is derived from two Greek words, demos (citizens of the city-state of Athens) and kratos (power or rule). In this system, laws, policies and major undertakings are decided by the people, which was initially defined as all free adult males in ancient Athens and 19th century Britain but today is understood to include all eligible citizens. Democracy is often described as a ‘rule of the majority’, but it also involves a balance of power between the state and different groups within society. It is a complex system that requires all members to play their part, whether by voting, taking part in public debate or engaging with their civic responsibility through volunteering and activism. Research shows that democracy delivers economic benefits and a higher quality of life than other forms of governance. But it is not a panacea and must be protected from corruption, polarization and other challenges that can undermine its core principles. A democratic society values equality and the rights of individuals, based on fundamental freedoms such as those related to movement, association and belief. It has a history of overcoming racial and ethnic inequalities; delivering significant advances in technology, health care and economic growth; and advancing women, LGBTQ people and indigenous people toward full equality. It has also overcome a civil war, natural disasters, recessions and depressions. But the world’s democracies are facing a number of threats including terrorism, climate change and income inequality. Some governments have been tempted to turn away from democracy in favour of authoritarian regimes and a form of governance that is less responsive to the people’s wishes. In addition, some people have become disillusioned with the results of democratic elections and believe that their votes don’t count. Democracy must be defended as the best way to manage disagreement and conflict, ensuring that everyone’s voices are heard. We must also be vigilant about identifying and responding to the signs that democracy is under threat. Despite these challenges, the evidence continues to show that democracy is better at protecting people than alternative systems like dictatorships and monarchies. However, we must continually improve democracy to address the challenges of our time. Only then can it deliver the social, environmental and economic benefits we need. To do this, we need to work together as a global community. To do that, we must understand what democracy is, what it means to be a democratic citizen and what can be done to make it stronger. This is why the United Nations is committed to advancing democracy and good governance worldwide.