- World
- Sep 15
20 years of UNDEF
• The United Nations observes the 18th International Day of Democracy on September 15.
• The day provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world.
• It was established through a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly in 2007, encouraging governments to strengthen and consolidate democracy.
• Democracy draws its strength from people: their voices, their choices, and their participation in shaping their societies. It flourishes when rights are protected, particularly for those most often left behind.
• Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.
• Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But around the world, there are governments and those wielding power who find many ways to obstruct it.
• Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
20 years of UNDEF
• The year 2025 marks 20 years of the establishment of the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF).
• The UNDEF was established in 2005 as a United Nations General Trust Fund and UN Secretariat entity to support democratisation efforts around the world.
• UNDEF supports projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes.
• The large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organisations — both in the transition and consolidation phases of democratization.
• In this way, UNDEF plays a novel and unique role in complementing the UN’s traditional work — the work with governments — to strengthen democratic governance around the world.
• UNDEF subsists entirely on voluntary contributions from governments.
• In 2024, it reached almost $250 million in contributions and counts more than 45 countries as donors, including many middle and low-income States in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
• In 18 rounds of funding so far, UNDEF has supported over 920 two-year projects in more than 130 countries.
• India is a founding partner of the UNDEF and one among its top donors.
• Since its establishment, the UNDEF has played a crucial role in advancing democratic values across the globe.
• Its projects have reached grassroots communities, giving voice to the marginalised, promoting gender equality, and encouraging transparent governance.
• Through funding initiatives, UNDEF has become a vital force in helping people shape their own futures through dialogue, civic engagement, and democratic innovation.
• UNDEF funds, helps design, manages, and often generates projects in eight main areas that contribute to strengthening democracy.
They are:
i) Rule of law and human rights.
ii) Youth engagement.
iii) Tools for knowledge.
iv) Community activism.
v) Media and freedom of information.
vi) Electoral processes.
vii) Gender equality.
viii) Strengthening civil society interaction with the government.
• By investing in civil society organisations, independent media, and youth-led movements, the Fund has helped create resilient democratic cultures from the ground up.
• In an era marked by disinformation, authoritarianism, and shrinking civic space, UNDEF’s work remains more relevant than ever.