United States Mission to the United Nations
Office of Press and Public Diplomacy
For Immediate Release
September 15, 2021
Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on the International Day of Democracy
On the International Day of Democracy, we reflect upon and rededicate ourselves to the principles of democracy, both here in the United States and around the world.
The United States is founded on the ideal of democracy. The Constitution of the United States enshrines a system of government that is led by the people, for the people. It is the best and only system through which we aspire to better realize our highest ideals. Through democracy, we encourage transparency and accountability, advance inclusion and equity, and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The promotion and defense of democracy is at the heart of our foreign policy. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights reflects international support for many democratic principles, including a commitment to fundamental freedoms like the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly. The United States and the United Nations share the ideal that the will of the people should be the basis of government authority. In support of this ideal, the United States will again present a biannual resolution to the General Assembly’s Third Committee on UN support for elections with a focus on inclusive elections and governance.
Right now, as President Biden has made clear, the world is at an inflection point between those who favor autocracy and those who know democracy can deliver for the people of the world. To meet this challenge, President Biden will convene a virtual Summit for Democracy in December, bringing together world leaders, civil society, the private sector, and philanthropies to set an affirmative vision for democracy.
“Democracy,” as President Biden said, “doesn’t happen by accident. We have to defend it, fight for it, strengthen it, renew it.” This Administration is working with our partners and allies at the United Nations to do everything in our power to defend, renew, and strengthen democracy around the world.
###
