Apathy is democracy's greatest enemy says UN Chief

Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations

“Despite advances in civic engagement, apathy has become democracy's most insidious enemy in a growing number of societies,” the UN chief said in his message on the Day, commemorated each year on 15 September.

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said this on Sunday, this year's International Day of Democracy, as the world faces volatile political events, natural disasters and abrupt social change and disruptions in communities around the world.

He goes on to reiterate the value of participation in a democracy, which is at the heart of insuring people's rights and security.

“Inclusive participation is the antidote,” said the Secretary General, as he maintained that such inclusivity is not only an end in itself; it prepares communities, societies and entire countries to address opposing points of view, forge compromises and solutions, and engage in constructive criticism and deliberations.

These are the words that underline the value of unity within democracies.  While protest allows freedom of speech, the Secretary General reminds us it is also important that people be active in a democracy, that they vote and find ways of working together so that in time of disasters people can be helped and communities survive.