Democracy in action: Inclusion, courage, and the road ahead – International Day of Democracy 2025

The International Day of Democracy is a moment to celebrate the progress we have made together and to reflect on the challenges that remain. Democracy is never complete, it is built daily through participation, dialogue, and the courage to protect freedoms and rights.

At the Oslo Center, we are proud of the work we have carried out across the globe in advancing inclusive and peaceful democracies. From supporting parliaments and political parties to building the capacity of civil society, our efforts are grounded in one belief: Societies thrive when every voice is heard.

Over the years, we have seen encouraging results. Through the Empowering Women in Politics (EWIP) program, we have worked with women leaders to increase their influence within political parties and public life, helping to break barriers that have long kept women at the margins of decision-making. The Africa Women’s Forum has provided a platform for dialogue, solidarity, and leadership, ensuring that women’s perspectives are not only recognized but shape policy and governance across the continent.

Societies thrive when every voice is heard.

We have also placed youth at the heart of democratic renewal. The Africa Youth Forum and the Youth Inclusion Forum have created spaces where young people can articulate their vision for more responsive and accountable governance. These platforms have connected youth leaders from across Africa and beyond, enabling them to exchange ideas, develop joint action, and strengthen their role as drivers of democratic change.

We have also responded to one of the most pressing threats to democracy: Misinformation and disinformation. The Words Matter Conference brings together journalists, policymakers, civil society, and academics to tackle this growing challenge. By promoting fact-based dialogue and strengthening trust in institutions, this initiative underscores that the health of democracy depends on access to reliable information and informed public debate.

Progress is possible when local actors are empowered and when inclusion is not just promised, but practiced.

Beyond these flagship initiatives, we have stood alongside partners in fragile contexts such as Myanmar and the Middle East, helping nurture inclusive political systems even under difficult circumstances. Across all our work, one lesson remains clear: Progress is possible when local actors are empowered and when inclusion is not just promised, but practiced.

Our work has also taken us to fragile and complex contexts, from supporting inclusive political transitions in Myanmar to strengthening multiparty systems in the Middle East and Africa. We know that progress is possible when partnerships are genuine and when local actors are empowered to lead.

Still, the road ahead is not without obstacles. Authoritarian pushbacks, shrinking civic spaces, political exclusion, disinformation, and deepening inequalities continue to threaten the foundations of democracy. In many places, the price of standing up for democratic values remains high. Yet these challenges reinforce our commitment to building resilient institutions and protecting spaces for citizen participation.

On this International Day of Democracy, we renew our pledge to support inclusive governance and to stand with women, youth, and marginalized groups who are reshaping the democratic landscape. Together with our partners, we remain convinced that democracy, though imperfect, offers the most powerful pathway to justice, equality, and peace.

We remain convinced that democracy, though imperfect, offers the most powerful pathway to justice, equality, and peace.