GENEVA – Modern democracy is under strain from various challenges, particularly the impacts of globalisation, and it is essential that States’ independence and sovereignty is respected to ensure equal participation in global decision-making processes, a UN expert said today. “The importance of bridging the geopolitical divide that impedes the development of a democratic international order cannot be overstated,” said George Katrougalos, the Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order. “The shifting power dynamics between the Global North and South, coupled with disagreements over values, human rights, and interventionism, have intensified tensions,” he told the Human Rights Council in his first report outlining his strategic approach to his mandate. Moreover, the perceived ineffectiveness of global governance institutions is placing the United Nations system under significant strain. In response to these challenges, Katrougalos said reinvigorating the North-South dialogue on democracy and human rights was a priority. “The participation of citizens is essential to fostering a democratic global society.” The expert also presented the report from his predecessor’s official visit to Maldives in March 2024. Katrougalos called on the Human Rights Council and the international community to address the evolving complexities of democracy and human rights in an increasingly interconnected world. He urged all stakeholders to work together to overcome divides and build a truly democratic and equitable global order. *The expert: Mr. George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order. Mr. Katrougalos is professor of public law at Democritus University of Thrace and former foreign minister of Greece. He is Vice-President of the International Association of Constitutional Law (IACL), with expertise on human rights, comparative constitutional law, democracy, social rights and social policy. Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity. For further information and media requests, please contact Marta Franco Parra at marta.francoparra1@un.org and/or hrc-ie-internationalorder@un.org For media enquiries regarding other UN independent experts, please contact Dharisha Indraguptha (dharisha.indraguptha@un.org) or John Newland (john.newland@un.org) Follow news related to the UN"s independent human rights experts on Twitter @UN_SPExperts.