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Introduction
The International Day of Democracy has been celebrated every year on 15th September since 2007 to promote democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. This day allows us to celebrate and preserve democratic values in our society.
These democratic values are fundamental to our society and play a significant role in honoring human rights. This day reminds us that, though democracy may not be the perfect form of government, it is the best among the alternatives.
Every year, the observance focuses on a particular theme, such as electoral integrity, civic participation, or freedom of speech, to name a few. The primary reason behind these themes is to address current issues and raise awareness about them.
The theme for the 2023 International Day of Democracy was “Empowering the Next Generation,” which primarily focused on the participation of youth in democratic processes and, thus, their involvement in decisions that have a profound impact on their lives.
Involving youth in decision-making not only improves the social acceptability of decisions but also instills democratic values among them.
Ensuring effective governance of AI at all levels
The theme for the 2024 International Day of Democracy is focused on the importance of “Artificial Intelligence as a tool for good governance.”
In his message for the observance, Secretary-General António Guterres notes that AI has the potential to enhance public participation, equality, security, and human development but warns that if “left unchecked” its dangers “could have serious implications for democracy, peace, and stability”.
Effective governance of AI at all levels, including internationally, is crucial, states the Secretary-General recalling that the High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence recently released a report “with recommendations on harnessing AI benefits while mitigating risks”.
Recommendations: AI tools must be available for everyone
The report identifies the following principles that should guide the formation of new global AI governance institutions:
– Inclusivity: all citizens, including those in the Global South, should be able to access and meaningfully use AI tools.
– Public interest: governance should go beyond the do-no-harm principle and define a broader accountability framework for companies that build, deploy, and control AI, as well as downstream users.
– The centrality of data governance: AI governance cannot be divorced from the governance of data and the promotion of data commons.
– Universal, networked, and multistakeholder: AI governance should prioritize universal buy-in by countries and stakeholders. It should leverage existing institutions through a networked approach.
– International Law: AI governance needs to be anchored in the UN Charter, International Human Rights Law, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Analyzing the impact of AI in democracies
Similarly, UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is the first global policy framework for AI, focusing on its impact on political life and democracy. The report delves into the current and potential impact of AI on democracy and the benefits of digitalization for collective decision-making.
Organized around four key themes – democratic expectations and disappointments of digitization, the new digital public sphere, the democracy of data, and democracy as a form of political decision-making – it offers recommendations for the democratic governance of artificial intelligence to mitigate negative impacts and promote a more democratic approach to AI governance.
The International Day of Democracy also focuses on empowering citizens to know their rights so that they can effectively enforce them.
Way Forward
a) Governments should be more accountable and highly responsive to public needs and opinions.
b) Enhanced safeguards should be in place to prevent abuse of power and violations of human rights.
c) Every section of society should be included in decision-making.
d) Ensure the rule of law and prevent the rule of power and force.
Work Submitted By: Shervill Poonia (Intern, Roya Institute for Global Justice- India)