When the UN Secretary-General acknowledges that “democracy and the rule of law are under assault from disinformation, division, and shrinking civic space,” he’s not just describing distant threats—he’s calling each of us to action. As we count down to the publication of my report, the question becomes deeply personal: What will each of us do to strengthen democratic life?

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights promises that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.” But rights come with responsibilities. How will you exercise this freedom? Will you share that compelling post without checking its source? Will you seek out perspectives that challenge your existing beliefs? Will you choose verified information over viral content?

My Churchill Fellowship journey revealed that democracy’s resilience depends not on distant institutions, but on daily choices made by people like you and me. The politicians pioneering ethical codes of conduct, the journalists developing responsible reporting protocols, the electoral officials finding creative ways to connect with citizens—they’re all responding to a simple truth: democracy is only as strong as the people who actively participate in it.

The UN Democracy Fund’s 20-year commitment to “resilient democratic cultures from the ground up” reminds us that you don’t need a title or platform to contribute meaningfully. You can verify before you share. You can choose dialogue over argument. You can seek understanding across difference. You can support quality, unbiased journalism with your attention and your wallet.

The International Day of Democracy celebrates democracy as “a living force for agency, hope, and cooperation.” Your daily information choices are part of that living force. When you pause before sharing, when you check multiple sources, when you engage thoughtfully with content that challenges you—you’re not just consuming media, you’re actively strengthening democratic discourse.

When my Churchill Fellowship report is published on Monday 15 September 2025, it will offer specific ways you can contribute to democratic resilience. But the fundamental choice is yours: Will you be a passive consumer of information, or an active citizen shaping the information environment that democracy requires?

The threats to democracy are real, but so is your power to respond. Every click, every share, every conversation is an opportunity to choose democracy over division, truth over convenience, and community over isolation.

What will you choose?