The Millennium Declaration affirmed that democracy and democratic governance are essential for the success of the post-2015 development framework. Democracy is a universal value aspired to by people around the world. Democracy is also an enabler of social and economic development, and a political system which can manage conflict peacefully.

It is essential to anchor the new development agenda in democratic values and principles such as: citizen participation; responsive and accountable political institutions; inclusive political processes; equality among people; full respect for human rights; equal access to justice; and the rule of law.

These principles also contribute to building peace in countries emerging from conflict, many of whom face the greatest challenges in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. This Policy Brief argues that democracy matters in the post-2015 development agenda.