The association aims to promote understanding between peoples, foster peace, break down existing enmities and build mutual trust between peoples. In doing so, it aims to base its work on the democratic self-image described in the preamble to the association's articles of association.

To realize this purpose, the association can develop activities that contribute to interpersonal encounters between peoples, increase knowledge about other peoples and deepen insight into the advantages of peaceful coexistence between peoples or are otherwise suitable for this purpose.

In particular, the association will award the Bonn International Democracy Prize at least every two years. The prize shall be awarded to natural or legal persons who have rendered outstanding services to the promotion of the above-mentioned statutory purposes with reference to the Federal Republic of Germany. The prizewinner's actions should be based on a democratic attitude. The awarding of the prize is intended to draw the attention of the general public to the special achievements of the prize winner and to encourage similar outstanding achievements.