Democracy must currently be defended more than ever in many places around the world. In order to honor those who are committed to strengthening and defending the principle of democracy and its prerequisites as well as the rule of law, the Bonn International Democracy Award Bonn Association awards the "Bonn International Prize for Democracy and the Rule of Law". The City of Bonn supports this prize both organizationally and financially with 50,000 euros. A corresponding cooperation agreement was signed on Thursday, October 17, 2024, by Mayor Katja Dörner and Chair of the Board Professor Dorothee Dzwonnek. Jürgen Nimptsch, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors, Board member Dr. Monika Hörig and Folke große Deters, Head of Department and Administrative Management of the City of Bonn and Board member for the City of Bonn in the association, were also present.

"75 years after the adoption of the International Charter of Human Rights, we see that in more and more countries around the world, fundamental rights are being restricted, free elections are no longer possible and constitutional principles such as the separation of powers and independent courts are being abolished," Mayor Katja Dörner quoted from the preamble to the agreement. "We in Germany have now had a stable democracy with all its freedoms and rights for more than 70 years. We therefore want to support people who courageously fight for freedom and honor their commitment," continued the Mayor.

"Bonn is an important place in the history of German democracy. We are delighted to be able to help raise this profile further, thanks to the support of the City of Bonn and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Our association's prize is intended to help make people aware time and again that standing up for freedom and democracy is essential for our peaceful coexistence here and in the world," said Professor Dorothee Dzwonnek.