Democracy is conversation. It is a constant dialogue between citizens and the authorities.
Václav Havel

The International Day of Democracy is observed annually on September 15, the day the Universal Declaration on Democracy was adopted in 1997; in 2007, the United Nations decided to dedicate this specific date to strengthening and promoting democratic values. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves that democracy is not merely a political framework, but a way of life, of community, and of participation.

In marking the International Day of Democracy, the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports emphasizes that democracy is the foundation of a free society and a supreme value that we must preserve and develop. It is a process built and reaffirmed daily—in the culture that shapes us, the sports that connect us, and the young people who lead us toward the future.

Culture is a space for creative freedom and diverse identities, a place where pluralism and dialogue—and thus the democratic spirit of the community—are nurtured. Sports, with their principles of equality and fair play, demonstrate how democratic values ​​are lived out in practice—on the field, in the arena, and in the stadium, where people gather, connect, and transcend differences. Young people, meanwhile, are the bearers of democracy’s future; their energy, creativity, and willingness to participate guarantee that the democratic spirit will remain strong and vital.

The Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports underscores that democracy is an enduring obligation and responsibility shared by us all—institutions, communities, and individuals alike. The Ministry will continue to promote the values ​​of freedom, equality, and participation through its programs and projects, as these very values ​​form the foundation of progress and a better life in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Democracy and freedom are not gifts bestowed upon us by others,
but responsibilities we must safeguard ourselves.
John F. Kennedy