16 September 2016: UN celebrations of the International Day of Democracy and the International Day of Peace considered the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted SDG 16 (Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels) and drew links between sustainable development, democracy and peace.

The International Day of Democracy, on 15 September 2016, focused on the theme ‘Democracy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.’ In his message, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the 17 SDGs form “an intricate tapestry of challenges, choices and opportunities that people encounter in their everyday lives,” and called for integrated responses. Ban remarked that SDG 16 addresses democracy directly, adding that democratic principles run through the 2030 Agenda “like a golden thread,” from universal access to public goods, health care and education, safe places to live and decent work opportunities for all. He outlined the importance of underpinning SDG implementation by a strong and active civil society.

Alfred de Zayas, UN Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, noted that democracy “entails much more than periodic voting,” and means a genuine correlation between the will of the people and legislation and policies that affect them, at the domestic and international levels. He said democracy requires respect for the right to access to information, freedom of opinion and expression, and meaningful public participation in decision-making, as provided for in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). He added that in many countries, disconnection between parliaments and citizens has led to disenfranchisement, apathy, absenteeism and distrust.

The UN celebrated the International Day of Peace on 16 September 2016, on the theme ‘The SDGs: Building Blocks for Peace.’ The UN Secretary-General said peace is not just about putting weapons aside, but building societies where people share the benefits of prosperity on a healthy planet. He outlined the importance of sustainable development for lasting peace, noting that both depend on respect for human rights. He called on everyone to express commitment to peace by becoming a “champion for the SDGs.”

The International Day of Peace is traditionally observed every year on 21 September, and was established in 1981 by the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The UN invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day. UN celebrations included a Peace Bell Ceremony in the Japanese Garden at UN Headquarters in New York, US, and an exchange of views between high school and university students, the UN Secretary-General, Messengers of Peace and Nobel Laureates. [UN Secretary-General Message for the International Day of Democracy] [UN Independent Expert Message for International Day of Democracy] [UN Press Release on International Day of Democracy] [International Day of Democracy Webpage] [UN Secretary-General Message for the International Day of Peace] [UN Press Release on SDGs and International Day of Peace] [International Day of Peace Webpage]