Together with the regional bank Sparkasse KölnBonn, the Bonn Institute is launching a new discussion format that incorporates as many different perspectives as possible and promotes constructive dialogue in local communities. In the run-up to local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia on September 14, 2025, Sparkasse KölnBonn is inviting people from Cologne and Bonn to discuss important issues in their cities. The "One Hour, Many Voices" format, developed by the Bonn Institute, offers citizens a safe space to listen to each other and make their voices heard in local politics.
"Our aim is to bring people together and strengthen journalists in their role as moderators of public dialogue. To this end, we have developed a special training course for media professionals who want to take part in 'One Hour, Many Voices' as constructive moderators," says Ellen Heinrichs, managing director of the Bonn Institute.
"One Hour, Many Voices" will continue after the local elections in September, with the newly elected politicians invited to a session. The innovative format has been made possible thanks to a partnership with Sparkasse KölnBonn.
Sparkasse KölnBonn has always been committed to societal inclusion and cohesion. In light of increasing pressure on democracy, we are stepping up our involvement by promoting a culture of open debate in Cologne and Bonn. Finding solutions isn't the goal, because change does not begin with ready-made answers but rather with us having the courage to listen to one another.
Sparkasse KölnBonn invites citizens to the first round of dialogue, which will take place before the local elections. In addition to the Bonn Institute, journalists from the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger and General-Anzeiger Bonn will also take part.
The ideas and wishes developed in the first round will be presented to and discussed with local politicians in a second round of "One Hour, Many Voices" that will take place after the local elections.
The pre-election dates for "One Hour, Many Voices" are:
Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Cologne, Bürgerhaus Stollwerck
Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Bonn, eventmanufaktur Bonn
Registration for the events is possible via Sparkasse KölnBonn; further information will be available soon.