From 11 to 30 September, an exhibition “Democracy: origins and the present”, dedicated to the International Day of Democracy, runs in the Documents of International Organizations Reading Room (room 207g).

This day was proclaimed by the General Assembly on 8 November, 2007 (resolution № A/RES/62/7) since than it is annually celebrated on 15 September. The date is timed to the 20th anniversary of the first International Conference of New and Restored Democracies, which was celebrated in 2008.

The word "democracy" comes from two Greek words "people" and "power", and it is traditionally translated as "people’s power". This term refers to the political regime based on the method of collective decision-making with the same effect on the outcome of the trial participants, or on its significant stage. Democracy is based on the freely expressed will of people and closely linked to the implementation of law and order, human rights and fundamental freedoms. It refers to the universal and common values and principles, and it is not only important in itself - it is also a strong factor to economic and social progress and which contributes to the maintenance of international peace and security.

The resolution states that all the world's democracies share common features, but no single model of democracy, given by any state, does not exist and can’t be.

The International Day of Democracy is a good opportunity to draw attention to the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is not only a goal, but a process. So, only with the participation and support of the whole international community, public authorities, society and individuals the ideals of democracy can be realized for every person in every corner of the world.

Activities of the United Nations in support of the efforts of governments to promote and consolidate democracy are undertaken in accordance with the UN Charter, and only at the specific request of Member States.

The UN supports free and fair elections, encourage participation of civil society in the countries and promotes dialogue in cases where the parties come to a standstill as a result of the disputed vote. The United Nations acts as a mediator in complex political situations in order to prevent conflict and fosters accountable security mechanisms in post-conflict situations. It sends experts to help strengthen law and order, establish multi-party structures and the formation of an effective and accountable public administration.

In all these efforts, the United Nations does not want to export or support any particular national or regional model of democracy. It understands that democratic ideals stem from the philosophies and traditions of all world’s regions. This effective democratic governance enhances the quality of human life in all over the world, and that democracy is the basis for a lasting peace, security and development.

The exhibition includes about 70 documents, most of which are documents of international organizations (UN, EU, Council of Europe, etc.) in Russian, English and German languages: books, periodicals, the UN mimeographed materials, brochures and booklets.

The exhibition includes the following sections:

Modern democracy: basic principles and mechanisms;
Development of democracy in different countries;
Nation-state and a democratic system;
Democracy and human rights.

The exhibition is made for political scientists, employees of state and local government, election officials, law enforcement officers, as well as for judges, lawyers, teachers, and students in higher educations.

Useful references:

Documents

Democracy: origins and the present

Informational resources

Services