Thought For The Day – Tuesday 15^th September 2026

Happy World Democracy Day.

Today is the International Day of Democracy.  The informative and inspiring  image above is from “Wishs Arena”.

The very appropriate theme today is: “Raising Hands and Voices”.

The word “democracy”  is derived from the Greek words “demos” (meaning people),  and “kratos” (meaning power).

Democracy is very important.

Democracy ensures people are respected and valued.

Democracy ensures people have a voice, expressed in an appropriate, legal, and legitimate manner.

Democracy protects individual freedoms and rights,  ensuring equality and inclusion.

Democracy necessitates, and nurtures, care, empathy, kindness, and responsibility.

Democracy values the vulnerable.

Democracy upholds The Law.

Democracy holds leaders and representatives to account.

Democracy is a check and a balance for, and of, all.

Like life and the world, democracy can be very challenging and complex.

But democracy has endured.

“Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth”, said former President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln.   

For democracy is fundamental to how we wish to be treated and, therefore, how we should, and must, treat others.

We never forget those who have given their lives for democracy.  Those who have raised their hands and their voices so others could be seen and heard.

Democracy connects with our daily, and nightly, education at The Bishop’s Stortford High School: our moral values of respect and integrity; our aspiration and education in literacy and oracy; our commitment to a “truly all-round education” and participation for all in the curricular, in the extra-curricular, and in the community;  our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion; our environmental care; our on-line safety;  our resilience and support; our commitment to fairness, justice, love, peace, and understanding.

Such foci are essential for “The Black, Gold, and Green” of T.B.S.H.S..

Such foci are vital for our world today.

At The Bishop’s Stortford High School, the outstanding Politics department studies, and lives, Democracy.

Citizenship lessons and opportunities seek to complement this.   On this World Democracy Day, as we always “think global, act local”,  we are honoured to welcome Mr. Chris Gentle to speak with the Sixth Form as part of the Citizenship guest speaker programme.

Chris Gentle is a senior business advisor,  energy transition expert, and entrepreneur. Chris Gentle is a Senior Advisor to the Secretary General of the World Energy Council.  Chris Gentle endeavours to improve environmental literacy and energy choices. A Partner and the Head of Research for Deloitte,   Chris Gentle has held senior positions at KPMG and the European Commission.  Chris Gentle has worked in over 35 countries around the world in a 25-year career.  Chris Gentle has helped lead the global design and delivery of the Council’s Humanising Energy mission – to bring a clean and just energy transition for people in all four corners of the world. Chris Gentle has advised many multinational organisations including the United Nations, OECD, and the World Trade Organisation.

In his global message for today, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, profoundly states the following:

“Today, on the International Day of Democracy, we face a world of deepening division.  Conflicts are multiplying, trust is eroding and the social contract between citizens and their Governments is being undermined. Democracy is more than elections. Democracy is a daily practice of ensuring human rights, the rule of law, and the meaningful participation of all people across civic and political life. It thrives through dialogue, collaboration, and working to understand different points of view — including civil society. This year’s focus on deliberative democratic processes reminds us of the importance of bringing together people from across societies to enrich decision making, foster trust, and build more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies. Having personally faced the challenges of restoring democracy in my own country, I know it must never be taken for granted.  Each time we choose dialogue over division, and cooperation over confrontation, we strengthen democracy. Today and every day, let us recommit to ensuring every voice counts, and that democracy delivers the peace, dignity and inclusion that every society needs and deserves.”