The International Democracy Prize Bonn e.V. (IDP) awarded its school prize for the second time on July 8, 2025. While last year the focus was on the 75th anniversary of our Basic Law, which was created in Bonn, in 2025 the aim of the competition was to encourage young voters to take part in the local elections on September 14. And who better to motivate young people to vote than other young people who become "influencers"?

"Democracy needs participation and fresh ideas! It is most alive where you can have a direct influence, where you can see, feel and touch that a city or municipality cares about what affects children and young people"emphasizes Prof. Dorothee Dzwonnek, Chairwoman of the IDP. For example, the conditions under which children and young people can learn in the schools built and equipped by the city, where they can find well-maintained playgrounds, sports and leisure facilities in their free time and where it is easy to get there with good transport connections.

Around 100 pupils from all types of secondary schools took part in the competition in the 4 categories Podcast / Poetry Slam / Digital Poster / Video. Certificates and prize money totaling 3,000 euros will be awarded. Our special thanks go to Sparkasse KölnBonn, which is also financing a trip to the NRW state parliament in Düsseldorf with a program for all participants.

The awards were presented by Prof. Harald Biermann (Haus der Geschichte Foundation) and Prof. Dorothee Dzwonnek (IDP) - pictured next to the winners.

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