The resolution authorizes the city administration to enter into a corresponding cooperation agreement with the "Bonn International Democracy Award" association. With this agreement, the city of Bonn is following the example of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. In April 2024, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia concluded a cooperation agreement with the sponsoring association in which it also undertook to provide up to 50,000 euros annually to support the award ceremony and other activities of the association.
The City of Bonn is given a seat and vote on the board of trustees of the association and can thus influence the organization of the association's activities and the award ceremony. In addition, the City of Bonn sends representatives to the selection committee that chooses the award winner each year.
Newly created prize to be awarded annually
The "Bonn International Prize for Democracy and the Rule of Law" was created by merging the North Rhine-Westphalia Rule of Law Prize, which has been awarded since 2022, with the "Bonn International Democracy Prize", which has been awarded since 2009. The prize is to be awarded annually to individuals or organizations that have rendered outstanding services to democracy and the rule of law. It is endowed with 10,000 euros.
The reorientation of the prize is intended to put it on a broader footing and thus achieve greater visibility and awareness. The first award ceremony for the newly created prize is scheduled to take place in Bonn in 2024 to mark the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Law.
Bonn as the cradle of the first successful democracy in Germany
Mayor Katja Dörner: "By sponsoring the prize, we are recognizing its special significance for our city. The cooperation with the International Democracy Prize raises Bonn's profile as Germany's second political center, as a German city of the United Nations and as an important place in the history of German democracy. The award is a good addition to the diverse activities of other democracy actors in Bonn."
In the federal city, numerous institutions, clubs and associations are involved in the topic of democracy and democracy education. As the cradle of the Basic Law and the most stable democracy on German soil, Bonn has a special role to play in German history. This is why the city of Bonn itself is also committed to the topic of democracy. It would like to contribute to strengthening democratic awareness in the city's society.
Further information on the "75th anniversary of the Basic Law" and Bonn as the cradle of the first successful democracy in Germany can be found on the city's website at https://demokratie.bonn.de/.
Further information on the "Bonn International Democracy Award" is available online at https://www.demokratiepreis-bonn.de/. (opens in a new tab)