 Democracy is key to achieving the goals of the United Nations. Without democracy, it is impossible to realize the fundamental values espoused by the UN. Sustainable development, peace and security, human rights, and gender equality. As the only intergovernmental organization with an exclusive mandate to advance democracy worldwide, International IDEA has been a strategic partner for the UN for many, many years. Our research and underground technical assistance provide comparative knowledge to assist policymakers at all levels, from global to local. We monitor the health of democracy and share best practices on electoral processes, constitutionalism and political participation to support democratic institutions and practices around the world. International IDEA helps pro-democracy actors tackle constitutional reform in the country, develop deliberative local governments in Nepal, deploy domestic election observers in Mozambique and further women's political participation in Paraguay. The Office of the Permanent Observer for International IDEA to the UN links our work advancing democracy to the UN agenda and advocates for democracy within the policies of the UN. We use our convenient power to disseminate our policy-relevant work through events with our member states and other like-minded countries at the UN high-level political forum and the General Assembly. Through knowledge production, consultation or work impacts UN deliberation and decisions, including those linked to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We lead projects such as the SDG-16 Data Initiative, which tracks progress in the implementation of SDG-16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. Alongside many partners, we promote the use of official and non-official data for monitoring progress on this vital goal, which is instrumental for achieving sustainable development. We also leverage our presence at the heart of the UN system to develop new alliances and strengthen partnerships with research centers and universities, government agencies and foundations, as well as regional and global organizations. In the course of multilateral policy discussion, we bring democratic values closer to the UN and the UN closer to democratic values. All too often, UN debates shy away from the issue of democracy because it is perceived as being too sensitive. Quite to the contrary, democratic values, institutions and practices will only help the UN deliver on its key mandates, protecting peace, advancing human rights and making sure that no one is left behind. Through our status as permanent observers, International Aedia is proud to be one of the key voices for democracy within the UN.