Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

Background

Declaring the first International Day of Democracy in 2008, the United Nations General Assembly resolved that “while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy”, also noting that “the need to promote and protect democracy is as urgent now as ever” (UN Resolution A/RES/62/7).

In The Netherlands, International Day of Democracy 2010 is celebrated with a full-day programme including seminars, a debate and the awarding of Democracy Ribbons to three heroes of democracy.

Democracy Ribbons

The Democracy Ribbons have been specially designed for the International Day of Democracy in the Netherlands. This year three ribbons have been awarded to people who have shown exceptional commitment to the development of democracy.

With the awarding of the Democracy Ribbons, the hard work and commitment of the democracy heroes are placed in the spotlight, as a way of encouraging them to continue that work and to inspire others. A cash prize is also provided, to provide an opportunity for these defenders of democracy to invest in a selected initiative.

This year’s winners, which will be announced later today, have been chosen by an experienced jury from a list of people and organisations nominated by the public. Amongst others, the jury features last year’s winners, including CMD-Kenya’s Njeri Kabeberi.

Video message from Ban Ki-moon

In a special video message which is played as part of the celebrations in The Hague, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon reinforced the vital connection between democratic principles, human rights and development:

Recently, in many parts of the world, we have seen serious threats to the hard-won gains in democratic governance. In some societies, champions of democracy and civil society activists have faced new confrontational measures. In others, the constitutional order has been subverted, upended, overthrown -- at times by violence.

We should all be troubled by any such backsliding, lest it become a trend. Setbacks in democratic advancement are setbacks for development. Development is far more likely to take hold if people are given a genuine say in their own governance, and a chance to share in the fruits of progress.

On this International Day of Democracy, let us recognize that democratic governance is a yearning shared and voiced by people the world over. Democracy is a goal in its own right, and an indispensable means for achieving development for all humankind. Let that message be heard at the MDG Summit and throughout the world.
 

About International Day of Democracy in The Netherlands

In The Netherlands, four organisations have taken the initiative to celebrate this important day [link IDD website], namely: the Forum for Democratic Development (FDO), the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), the Institute for Public and Politics (IPP) and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD). In addition, the Ministry of Interior Affairs is organising a debate in the afternoon.

The International Day of Democracy is sponsored by Fonds 1818 (the 1818 Fund) and NCDO.