 Hello, I'm Kevin Casasamora, the Secretary General of International Idea. Today is the International Day of Democracy. It is an occasion to celebrate both the ideal and the practice of democracy, and to stand with the people defending and improving democracy around the world. These heroes of democracy include elected officials, impartial administrators, civil society leaders, and citizen activists. Some of them have made defending democracy into their life's work. Too many of them, from Ukraine to Ecuador, and from Myanmar to Sudan, have given their lives to the cause. Their struggles and sacrifices are keeping the dream of democracy alive. We live in a time when the world is becoming more authoritarian. Assessments by International Idea and other experts show a decline in both the number and the quality of democracies. This global challenge to democracy calls for global responses. And the solution to democracy's darkest trials lies in the very same attributes that define its most brilliant moments. The spark of civic passion, which leads a woman to put her name on a ballot and her daughter to march in the streets. The ethic of inclusion, which gives a refugee a realistic pathway to power in the country he now calls home. The principle of accountability, which affords citizens the final judgment on their government's decisions. And perhaps above all, the commitment to continuous improvement, which sustains hope for a better future. Each democracy must nurture these qualities. And in doing so, each democracy must learn from others with both a sense of urgency and humility. For if, as I believe, democracy is a universal human aspiration, then the best ideas and the most important lessons can come from anywhere. That's why International Idea is committed to enabling our member states and other democracies to share and grow stronger together. Because our mission is too great and too important to do it alone. This Democracy Day International Idea is honoring the spirit of inclusion and cooperation by launching our new brand. Our new logo highlights democracy's growth and our institute's own growth through dialogue and diversity with people at the center. So let us take inspiration from the heroes of democracy and let us stand united across borders and backgrounds, learning, contributing and advancing our common cause. I wish you all a very happy International Democracy Day.