Speaking at the opening of the Word Democracy Forum, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that there is a pressing thirst of dignity throughout the world following the demands for democracy in North Africa, the Middle East and beyond in the last two years.

Ban Ki-moon said that the case of Syria shows how the current democratic transitions have given life to hope and many changes, but have also generated uncertainty and fear. "There is no guarantee of success. It takes time to build democracy", he warned, and called for efforts to support democratic progress globally.

He called for a political compromise to be found in Syria. "Our objective is to create the adequate conditions for a credible political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the people and ensures the same rights to all Syrians," he added.

Ban Ki-moon recalled that the UN member States have clearly defined democracy as a universal value. "Now we must listen to the people", he highlighted, and "we must remind governments when they do not comply with their international law obligations".

Finally he recalled that establishing democracy is not only "giving citizens a voice", but also promoting economic and social development.

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