On 15 September 2023, International IDEA, the Global Democracy Coalition, and the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations co-hosted the event "International Democracy Day 2023 -- Inclusive Democracy for Sustainable Development: Challenging Norms, Empowering Marginalized Communities" at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Building upon the spirit of International Democracy Day and considering the inter-linkages between the United Nations and its Member States, civil society, and other stakeholders, this event sought to deepen our understanding of the profound relationship between inclusive democracy, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the forthcoming SDG Summit. This discussion explored the multidimensional nature of these relationships and recognized the pivotal role played by democratic governance, principles, and institutions as powerful drivers in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Throughout the event, we delved into the intricate interplay between the role of the United Nations, inclusive democracy, social contracts, and the active participation of marginalized communities in democratic processes, all of which contributed to sustainable development. We recognized that social norms and contracts played a crucial role in shaping the opportunities and barriers faced by marginalized groups, influencing their engagement and contributions to democratic decision-making and the overall development agenda.