For information only – not an official document
UNIS/SGSM/1619
10 September 2026
Today, on the International Day of Democracy, we face a world of deepening division. Conflicts are multiplying, trust is eroding, and the social contract between citizens and their governments is being undermined.
Democracy is more than elections. Democracy is a daily practice of ensuring human rights, the rule of law, and the meaningful participation of all people across civic and political life. It thrives through dialogue, collaboration, and working to understand different points of view — including civil society.
This year’s focus on deliberative democratic processes reminds us of the importance of bringing together people from across societies to enrich decision making, foster trust, and build more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies.
Having personally faced the challenges of restoring democracy in my own country, I know it must never be taken for granted. Each time we choose dialogue over division, and cooperation over confrontation, we strengthen democracy.
Today and every day, let us recommit to ensuring every voice counts, and that democracy delivers the peace, dignity and inclusion that every society needs and deserves.
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The thirteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) will be held from 19 to 23 October 2026 at the Vienna International Centre, Austria.
The Fifteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice concluded today with more than 60 countries agreeing time-bound actions to strengthen criminal justice responses, expand access to justice and improve international cooperation to tackle global crime threats.
The Fifteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice opened today with the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, a forward-looking global framework to strengthen international criminal justice cooperation against fast-evolving crime challenges and exploitation of digital technologies.
"It's time to choose dialogue over division, diplomacy over confrontation, and disarmament over destruction. States that possess nuclear weapons must honour their disarmament obligations and commit to the total elimination of nuclear weapons." — António Guterres
