Celebrating the International Day of Democracy

Democratic institutions in Northern Ireland have been stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of restoration and collapse for the last 25 years. As a result, much needed policy reforms are long overdue and NI has failed to keep pace with the extraordinary challenges facing our healthcare, education, energy, and housing systems as well as the rapidly escalating climate crisis.

Almost half of people across all communities in NI believe that our power sharing agreements need some change, but what should that change be? Could giving citizens a greater role in politics through deliberative mechanisms such as citizens assemblies help to strengthen government in Northern Ireland? Where can we look for lessons on making government more effective and what needs to happen to make it a reality in NI? And how could deliberative mechanisms contribute to the debate about a potential referendum on the choice between Northern Ireland remaining in the UK or reunifying with the rest of Ireland?

Overview of event

2pm Start

2.15 Keynote introduction: Professor John Garry, Queen’s University Belfast

2.40 Café conversation: how can citizens play a greater role in politics in NI? 

4.00 Panel discussion: we bring together a range of perspectives to discuss the potential for improving citizen participation, as well as some of the risks and challenges. 

Panelists include: 

• Rebekah McCabe, Head of Northern Ireland, Involve (chair)
• Karen Smyth, Head of Policy & Governance, NILGA
• Celine McStravick, Chief Executive, NICVA
• Alan Renwick, Professor of Democratic Politics and Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit, University College London

5.30 Democracy Drinks reception

6pm Close

Background

The United Nations International Day of Democracy is celebrated every year on 15 September in order to promote and uphold democratic principles and values worldwide. The day was first celebrated in 2008 and provides an opportunity for governments, civil society organisations, and individuals to promote and advance democracy, and to raise public awareness about the importance of democratic values such as respect for human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law, for example.

Registration closes 11 September 2023

Free event