These risks are particularly high this year, as elections are being held in more than 50 countries (representing half the world’s population).
In a message for the International Day of Democracy on Sunday, Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated the importance of upholding freedom of expression, civil liberties and the rule of law, and of ensuring accountable institutions and protecting human rights.
“Yet, These rights and values are under attack all over the world“Freedoms are being eroded. Social space is shrinking. Polarization is intensifying. And mistrust is growing,” he said.
An instrument for good governance
Despite the dangers, artificial intelligence has the potential to play a positive role in strengthening democratic systems, he continued, noting that AI can promote full and active public participation, enhance equality and contribute to human development.
“AI can boost education about democratic processes and create more inclusive civic spaces where people have a say in decisions and can hold decision makers accountable“, said Mr Guterres.
By using AI for good governance, countries can create more transparent and accountable systems that enable citizens to participate more effectively. However, this requires effective governance of AI at all levels, including internationally.
Promoting responsible AI use
Mr Guterres also highlighted the recent report from the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, which provides recommendations on how to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks.
“The message is clear: AI must serve humanity in a fair and safe way“, he stressed, adding that the upcoming Top of the future will be an important platform for countries to discuss ways to strengthen international cooperation in the field of AI.
“On this International Day of Democracy, let us continue to work towards building a more inclusive, just and equal world.”
Women’s political participation essential
It is also crucial to address another fundamental aspect of democracy: the equal political participation of women, emphasized Through UN Womenthe leading agency for gender equality.
“Their inclusion is a matter of justice and a key factor in creating more effective governance.“, the agency said, noting that women’s representation is vital to advancing issues such as health, education and gender-based violence.
Despite this, women are still underrepresented in decision-making worldwide.
Only 27 countries are led by women – up from 18 a decade ago – while women hold just 23 percent of cabinet positions globally and only 15 countries have achieved gender parity in their cabinets.
UN News/Vibhu Mishra
Women voters wait to cast their ballots for the federal and provincial elections at a polling station in Bhaktapur district, Nepal. (file)
Challenges to representation
Harmful social norms and gender-based violence continue to hinder women’s political rights, and media stereotypes often undermine their leadership capacities. Moreover, online threats of violence against women in politics and public life are increasing, potentially exacerbated by AI technologies.
To address these pressing issues, UN-Women encouraged governments to take proactive measures to close the gender gap in political participation.
These include introducing gender quotas, combating violence against women in politics, ensuring equal treatment for women voters and candidates, investing in capacity building for women candidates and promoting fair and transparent media reporting on the political role of women.
The International Day
Commemorated annually on September 15, International Day of Democracy offers an opportunity to assess the state of democracy in the world. This year, the focus is on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for good governance.
It was founded in 2007 by the UN General Assembly, which affirmed that democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and on their full participation in all aspects of life.
The Assembly also encouraged governments to strengthen national programmes aimed at promoting and consolidating democracy, including through increased bilateral, regional and international cooperation.
