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Civil society is the oxygen of democracy.
民间社会是民主赖以生存的氧气。
We see this clearly in the world's most vibrant and stable democracies, where Government and civil society work together for common goals. Civil society acts as a catalyst for social progress and economic growth. It plays a critical role in keeping Government accountable, and helps represent the diverse interests of the population, including its most vulnerable groups.
在世界上最具活力、最为稳定的民主国家，我们清楚地看到这一点。在那里，政府与民间社会携手合作，为实现共同目标而努力。民间社会是促进社会进步和经济增长的动力。民间社会在向政府问责方面发挥至关重要的作用，并且有助于代表民众的各种利益，包括最脆弱群体的利益。
The role of civil society has never been more important. Soon we will start to implement an inspiring new development agenda, agreed by all the world's Governments.
民间社会的作用从来没有像现在这样如此重要。不久，我们将开始实施世界各国政府商定的令人鼓舞的新的发展议程。
Yet, for civil society, freedom to operate is diminishing – or even disappearing.
然而，对于民间社会来说，行动自由却日趋狭窄，甚至正在消失。
An alarming number of Governments have adopted restrictions that limit the ability of NGOs to work, or to receive funding, or both.
数目惊人的政府采取各种限制措施，限制了非政府组织开展工作的能力，或限制了此类组织接受资助的能力，抑或两者皆有。
That is why the theme of this year's International Day of Democracy is space for civil society.
正因如此，今年国际民主日的主题是为民间社会提供空间。
On this Day, let us recall that progress and civic participation go hand in hand.
值此国际日之际，让我们再次铭记进步与民间参与息息相关，不可分割。
A confident nation gives citizens a say and a role in the development of their country.
一个满怀信心的国家会让公民畅所欲言，让他们在发展自己国家的事业中发挥作用。
As the United Nations continues to work towards a democratic, pluralistic future for all, the State and civil society can and should be partners in building the future people want.
联合国一如既往，致力于为所有人实现民主、多元化未来，与此同时，国家和民间社会能够也应该结成伙伴，共同构建人民希望的未来。
