Marja Ruotanen, Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity (DGII)

Since September 2022, it has been my privilege to lead our efforts in promoting democracy, participation, good governance, equality, diversity, inclusion, and human dignity across Europe.
Together with my team, we are placing special emphasis on reinforcing the foundations of democracy, amplifying its benefits, and innovating its forms through the New Democratic Pact for Europe. 
Promoting gender equality and the integration of a youth perspective in policy and decision making is central to our efforts to foster an open and inclusive Europe where every voice is respected, and human rights are fully protected.
I invite you to explore our ongoing work to build a more democratic, equitable and dignified Europe for all.

 What we do?

The Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity (“DGII”) supports the Council of Europe in fields which are vital for the sustainability of democracy:

• ensuring respect for human dignity without discrimination on the basis of human rights standards;
• improving the functioning of democratic institutions;
• and strengthening the democratic competencies of Europe’s citizens and their willingness to engage in the democratic process and promoting respect for diversity in Europe’s societies, in a spirit of solidarity and tolerance, based on the human rights and legal standards of the Council of Europe.