UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said democracy is showing greater strain than at any time in decades and laid emphasis on more inclusive democracies.

‘That is why this International Day should make us look for ways to invigorate democracy and seek answers for the systemic challenges it faces,’ he said in a message marking the International Day of Democracy that falls on September 15, reports the UNB.

The UN chief said this means tackling inequality, both economic and political. ‘It means making our democracies more inclusive, by bringing the young and marginalised into the political system. It means making democracies more innovative and responsive to emerging challenges.’

He said working for a future that leaves no one behind requires all to consider essential pressing questions. 

For example, Guterres said, what impact will migration or climate change have on democracy in the next generation?  ‘How do we best harness the potential of new technologies while avoiding the dangers? How do build better governance so that democracy delivers better lives and fully meets the public’s aspirations?’

‘On this International Day of Democracy, let us commit to joining forces for the future of democracy,’ he said.