Young people called to lead major push for inclusive democracy

Ban Ki-moon (right) meets with Youth Delegates. UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras

Young people everywhere are being called by the Secretary-General to lead a major push for inclusive democracy around the world.

Ban Ki-moon's message is being delivered on Monday on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy.

The UN Chief says that peace, equality, and shared prosperity cannot take hold in societies that are not inclusive.

That is why he says his message goes out to those who will be at the forefront of the world beyond 2015: young people.

Mr Ban recalls that one person out of five today is between the ages of 15 and 24.

Although studies reportedly show declining faith among young people in politics, youth-led movements for democratic change are on the rise in a number of countries.

The UN says that young people are also increasingly using social media to discuss democracy-building in less traditional ways.

On Monday, the Organization is calling on all to use hashtag #DemocracyDay on their online platforms.