Empowering the next generation for democracy

 Ranjan K Baruah

(With direct inputs from UN/WHO publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)

Democracy is a common word in India, as India is the mother of democracy. Frequent elections in the country remind us about the word. It should be the core value of society and among people. Democracy is not merely holding elections; there are many other elements. There are countries and global organisations like the United Nations that support democracy by promoting human rights, development, peace, and security.

Interestingly, when the founders of the United Nations drafted the United Nations Charter, they did not mention the word democracy. In 1945, many of the UN Member States did not endorse democracy as a system or didn’t practice it. Yet, the opening words of the Charter, “We the Peoples”, reflect the fundamental principle of democracy: that the will of the people is the source of legitimacy for sovereign states and, therefore, for the United Nations as a whole.

These values are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It projects the concept of democracy by stating that “the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government”. In 2015, world leaders committed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to a world in which “democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, as well as an enabling environment at national and international levels, are essential for sustainable development”.

The values of freedom, respect for human rights, and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage are essential elements of democracy. A few essential elements of democracy include respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, freedom of association, freedom of expression and opinion, an independent judiciary, free media, transparency and accountability in public administration, etc.

The UN General Assembly proclaimed September 15 as the International Day of Democracy (IDD). The observance provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Only with the full support of the international community, national governing bodies, civil society, and individuals can the ideal of democracy be realised to the benefit of all and everywhere. This year’s theme for the IDD, “Empowering the next generation,” focuses on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world.

“Unresolved conflicts, the rising threat of climate change, and financial turmoil pose a constant threat to democracies around the world. “The walls are closing in on civic spaces,” warns UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the IDD. In his message marking the day, the UN chief blames the current spread of misinformation and disinformation that is “poisoning public discourse, polarising communities, and eroding trust in institutions”.

The effects of the climate crisis on the physical environment are today impossible to ignore, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that it is a challenge to democracy: growing food insecurity, migration, water scarcity, and extreme weather events are driving conflict and weighing on the minds of voters. Young people around the world have shown that they are extremely concerned about the climate crisis; in recent years, hundreds of thousands of school-age children, frustrated by the pace of negotiations to cut fossil fuel emissions, have taken part in large-scale marches, strikes, and protests.

The UN recognises the importance of empowering young people to take leadership roles on issues of international importance; the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth convenes the Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals, a group of 17 change makers whose leadership is catalysing the achievement of the SDGs; and the Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change ensures that the Secretary-General hears directly from young climate activists, who can share strategies for advancing climate action. The UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) finances projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes, including youth.

There is no doubt that young people are the current and future custodians of democracy. We must protect human rights and advance gender equality if we want a sustainable future for all of us. Young people, including children and youths, must be aware of their democratic rights and participate in a way that makes democracy more vibrant. On this important day, let us join hands across generations and work as one to build a more just world for all. It is an opportunity for all of us to focus on young people and their positive engagement to make democracy more vibrant and bring sustainable development in the near future.