COMING UP!》Ep.89 | AfroDemocracy(6): SDG 16, Civil Society & Democracy

Synopsis | Africa in Focus Show | Ep.89 | AfroDemocracy(6): SDG 16, Civil Society & Democracy

For the second time in the show's history, we join the global community to celebrate International Democracy Day.

The United Nations believes that, the International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.

The values of freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage are essential elements of democracy. 

In turn, democracy provides the natural environment for the protection and effective realization of human rights. These values are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and further developed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which enshrines a host of political rights and civil liberties underpinning meaningful democracies.

This year's celebration will be the first-ever observance of the day since the advent of the SDGs.

The theme of Sustainable Development Goal 16 remains important  as it addresses democracy by calling for inclusive and participatory societies and institutions. It aims to "Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels."

The Goal is both an end in itself and a crucial part of delivering sustainable development in all countries. It has been seen by many commentators as the transformational goal and key to ensuring that the Agenda can be accomplished.

In ep.89, we will be interviewing a staff of West Africa Civil Society Institute(WACSI) to help us understand especially why the conversation on democracy remains a discussion of paramount importance -- whether in an "AfroDemocratic" narrative where Africans bring flair to the prosecution of their governance, or otherwise.

Guiding questions:
▪What is SDG 16, and its relationship with democracy?
▪How critical is civil society to deepening of democracy?
▪Is there still a need to celebrate International Democracy Day?

Guests on the line/studio:
▪Charles Kojo VanDyck, Head of Capacity-Building, West Africa Civil Society Institute(WACSI)