Caux IDG Forum 2026 - Programme
WELCOME TO THE CAUX IDG FORUM 2026
We are excited to welcome you to this year's edition of the Caux IDG Forum: The Alchemy of Forgiveness.
The programme explores the role of forgiveness in personal, relational, and societal contexts at a time of increasing polarization. Through dialogue, reflection, and interdisciplinary perspectives, together, we will examine what forgiveness means, how it is understood across contexts, and how it may contribute to constructive engagement and social repair.
The programme unfolds over five days, moving from foundational understanding of forgiveness to broader social reflection and future dialogue.
For children and teenagers, we will offer additional activities, depending on the number of young participants in the house.
We look forward to seeing you in Caux!
Please note that this programme is subject to modifications.
programme
Monday, 13 July
ARRIVALS
Welcome to the Caux Palace!
If you arrive by train: Trains run every hour from both Geneva Airport and Bern. For exact travel times and connections, please consult www.rail.ch.
The Caux Palace main entrance is approx. 100m from the Caux train station.
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In case you arrive by car or taxi: For those arriving from Lausanne/Vevey, make sure to adjust your GPS route passing by « Clarens » or « Montreux Gare ». Do not take the automatic recommendation going by « Les Avants » as this will take you through a longer curvy mountain road and the ride is much longer and complicated.
Free parking spots are available in front of the Caux Palace, near the station or near the tennis court.
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For guests staying at the Caux Palace - your rooms will be available from 14:00 CEST onwards. Should you wish to arrive earlier, you can store your luggage in the reception area.
WELCOME DAY - CEREMONY
TEA & COFFEE BREAK
OPENING PLENARY
BUFFET - DINNER
FREE TIME
Enjoy the gardens of the Caux Palace, meet those in the house or visit our 2 summer exhibitions:
EXHIBITIONS
Press Cartoons
An exhibition of press cartoons dedicated to the issues of freedom of expression and democracy
- Where: Les Galeries (4th floor)
- In collaboration with: Freedom Cartoonists
"Europe on Display: Politics in Images"
A selection of posters from a unique collection held by the Jean Monnet Foundation, tracing Europe’s political and visual history.
- Where: Esplanade in the Caux Palace gardens
- In collaboration with: Fondation Jean Monnet pour l'Europe
GUIDED TOURS OF THE CAUX PALACE
Discover the Caux Palace, one of the jewels of the Belle Epoque and classified historical monument of national interest.
Learn more about its rich history and find out its role in fostering honest conversations, inner development, inspiration, reconciliation and peacebuilding.
SONGS FOR PEACE, UNITY AND RECONCILIATION
Let's conclude the day with a time of quiet reflection and mediation, featuring Taizé songs for peace, unity, and reconciliation.
With:
- Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach
Tuesday, 14 July
GREETING THE DAY
Join the Greeting of the Day ceremony, tapping into indigenous wisdom, in the gardens of the Caux Palace.
With:
- Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Communicator, Educator & Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
- Indigenous Elders
BREAKFAST
PLENARY: DIMENSIONS OF FORGIVENESS - PERSONAL STORIES & CONVERSATIONS
Day 2 invites us to explore the personal and deeply human dimensions of forgiveness.
Together, we will consider what forgiveness means to us, share common challenges and questions, and reflect on how our own values and life experiences shape our perspective.
This is an invitation to pause, look within and engage in an honest, meaningful exchange with others.
The session will also a include dedicated moment for individual inner reflection or journaling.
COFFEE & TEA BREAK
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Community Groups are a core part of the Caux IDG Forum experience, helping to build a sense of unity and shared purpose—“Let’s do this together!”
These small, diverse groups of 8 - 12 participants offer a space to reflect on the plenary themes, exchange ideas, and learn from one another’s lived experiences.
Guided by a community group facilitator, each session creates a safe, respectful environment where deep conversations can flourish and real connections begin.
With ground rules rooted in trust, inclusion, and care, these groups invite you to be fully present, listen openly, and speak from the heart—if and when you feel ready and are often a great place to forge new and inspiring friendships.
LUNCH
FREE TIME IN NATURE
WORKSHOPS
COFFEE & TEA BREAK
WORKSHOPS
DINNER
CANDLELIGHT CONVERSATIONS
Step into the heart of the Caux IDG Forum and immerse yourself in our signature Candlelight Conversations - an inspiring evening experience created just for you to engage in deep, authentic dialogue.
In the softly lit rooms of the Caux Palace, you will find a calm and welcoming space where meaningful exchanges can unfold.
Choose a topic that resonates with you, join a small group guided with care, and allow yourself to connect, reflect and share openly. This is your opportunity to go beyond the surface, build trust and be part of conversations that truly matter.
SONGS FOR PEACE, UNITY AND RECONCILIATION
Let's conclude the day with a time of quiet reflection and mediation, featuring Taizé songs for peace, unity, and reconciliation.
With:
- Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach
Wednesday, 15 July
GREETING THE DAY
Join the Greeting of the Day ceremony, tapping into indigenous wisdom, in the gardens of the Caux Palace.
With:
- Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Communicator, Educator & Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
- Indigenous Elders
BREAKFAST
PLENARY: PERSONAL CHOICE & FORGIVENESS - STORIES & CONVERSATIONS
Day 3 invites us to explore forgiveness as a personal and voluntary process shaped by your own choices and boundaries.
Together, we will reflect on questions of responsibility and accountability, and engage with different perspectives on when forgiveness may - or may not - take place.
This is a space to deepen our understanding, honour our limits and consider forgiveness as a journey rather than a single moment.
The session will also a include dedicated moment for individual inner reflection or journaling.
COFFEE & TEA BREAK
COMMUNITY GROUPS
LUNCH
FREE TIME IN NATURE
WORKSHOPS
COFFEE & TEA BREAK
WORKSHOPS
DINNER
AN EVENING OF GIFTS
Let's come together and enjoy an evening of music, dance and theatre!
SONGS FOR PEACE, UNITY AND RECONCILIATION
Let's conclude the day with a time of quiet reflection and mediation, featuring Taizé songs for peace, unity, and reconciliation.
With:
- Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach
Thursday, 16 July
GREETING THE DAY
Join the Greeting of the Day ceremony, tapping into indigenous wisdom, in the gardens of the Caux Palace.
With:
- Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Communicator, Educator & Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
- Indigenous Elders
BREAKFAST
PLENARY: FROM ME TO WE - FORGIVENESS IN RELATIONSHIPS AND SOCIETY
Day 4 invites us to move from “me” to “we” by exploring the role of forgiveness within relationships, communities and society.
Together, we will reflect on real-life examples of reconciliation, and consider how forgiveness can help break cycles of revenge, bitterness and conflict.
This is a space to examine forgiveness in its relational and collective dimensions, and to discover how it can contribute to more connected and peaceful communities.
The session will also a include dedicated moment for individual inner reflection or journaling.
COFFEE & TEA BREAK
COMMUNITY GROUPS
LUNCH
FREE TIME IN NATURE
WORKSHOPS
COFFEE & TEA BREAK
WORKSHOPS
DINNER
OUTDOOR - THE FORGIVENESS WALK
Join us for a gentle outdoor “Forgiveness Walk,” an invitation to step away from the noise and into a space of reflection and renewal.
As you walk in nature, we will have the opportunity to slow down, reconnect with ourself and consider what forgiveness might mean in our own life.
This shared yet personal experience can help us bring clarity, release tension and open the door to new perspectives - offering a meaningful moment to pause, reflect and move forward.
SONGS FOR PEACE, UNITY AND RECONCILIATION
Let's conclude the day with a time of quiet reflection and mediation, featuring Taizé songs for peace, unity, and reconciliation.
With:
- Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach
Friday, 17 July
GREETING THE DAY
Join the Greeting of the Day ceremony, tapping into indigenous wisdom, in the gardens of the Caux Palace.
With:
- Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Communicator, Educator & Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
- Indigenous Elders
BREAKFAST
COMMUNITY GROUPS & CHECK-OUT
Yes, we agree - it's sad...but we all have to leave Caux already 😊 ! Let’s come together to wrap up our time in community groups, celebrate our journey at the Caux IDG Forum, and look ahead to next steps.
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To help our hospitality team, please make sure to check out of your rooms before 10:00. You are welcome to leave your luggage in the designated storage area until departure, or bring it with you to the Main Hall for the Closing Session.
COFFEE & TEA BREAK
CLOSING SESSION: RENEWAL AND NEW POSSIBILITIES - THE FUTURE EMERGING
This final day invites us to reflect on key ideas and insights from the conference, and to explore how forgiveness can support more constructive and meaningful dialogue.
Together, we will identify open questions and future directions, while considering new possibilities that can emerge from this shared journey.
It is a moment of renewal and an opportunity to look ahead and continue the conversation on forgiveness beyond the forum.