Opening Ceremony

MODERATION & INTRODUCTION

• Ignacio PACKER, Executive Director Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

•  Jean-Marc VIGNOLI (France),  violin

WELCOME WORDS

• Jacqueline COTÉ (Canada/Switzerland), President Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

REIMAGINING DEMOCRACY(IES) - Youth Perspectives

• Hajar BICHRI (Morocco), Creative Leadership, from our parallel youth democracy programme "Reimagining Democracy(ies), will introduce a short film presenting their fresh perspectives and hope.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

ADDRESS by Council of Europe Representative 

• Ambassador Francesca Camilleri VETTIGER (Malta), Chair of the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies, Malta's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe 

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

• Philippe LAZZARINI (Switzerland), UNWRA Commissioner-General

A TIME TO REFLECT

• Joseph DEISS (Switzerland), Swiss Economist and Politician, former President of the Swiss Confederation and former President of the United Nations General Assembly

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

EXPLORING PERSONAL CHANGE & WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE CAUX FORUM 2025

• Ignacio PACKER, Executive Director Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

Refreshments

Parallel Sessions

Participants choose one of the three sessions at the front desk when arriving at the Caux Palace (colour cards)

SESSION 1: Revitalising Democracy - Integrity

Help us explore together, bring your experience to the table and share your stories as we unpack thecomplex and timely question regarding the importance of integrity in revitalising democracy.

WHERE: Amphitheatre "Conrad" (2nd floor - access via corridor next to dining room)

WITH:

• Ambassador Christian GUILLERMET-FERNÁNDEZ (Costa Rica), Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva

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SESSION 2: Revitalising Democracy - Trust

We would love to hear from you! Join the conversation and help us explore the pathways towards (re)building trust to strengthen and revitalise democracy.

WHERE: Main Hall

WITH:

• Ambassador Nathalie CHUARD (Switzerland), Director of DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
• Roohullah SHINWARI (Afghanistan), Head of External Relations at AFA
• Anas ANSAR (Bangladesh), Senior Researcher at the Arnold-Bergstraesser-Institut, University of Freiburg, Germany
• Jordan DAVIS (USA), RTS Correspondent in the USA and host of “Democracy! Démocratie!”

CO-MODERATION:

• Ignacio PACKER, Executive Director Caux Initiatives of Change
• Sidra RASLAN (Syria), Creative Leadership & Amplify Impact Partner Sustainability Program Support and Community Lead at HP 

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SESSION 3: Revitalising Democracy - Courage

Share your insights and experiences as we explore what it means to live thoughtfully, responsibly and courageously in a fast-changing world.

WHERE: Caux Palace Theatre

WITH:

• Godfrey MWAMPEMBWA aka GADO (Kenya), Graphic journalist, Cartoonist, Animator & TV Producer

• Konstantine GAGNIDZE (Georgia), Founder & President of JEF Georgia

CO-MODERATION:

• John BOND (Australia/UK), Journalist & Author, Initiatives of Change
• Manuela GARAY (Canada), Creative Leadership

Cultural & Networking Activities

ART EXHIBITIONS - VERNISSAGE

Where: Belle Epoque & Caux Palace Esplanade

"Dialogues on Humanity"

An exhibition produced thanks to a partnership between Photo Elysée - Lausanne, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

"Democracy? What democracy?!"

An exhibition with press cartoons by Godfrey MWAMPEMBWA aka GADO (Kenya) and Nadia KHIARI, alias Willis from Tunis (Tunisia).

Find out more

RECEPTION including the Inauguration of CAUX AS A PEACE PARK 

Where: Main Hall

WITH:

• Jacqueline COTÉ (Canada/Switzerland), President Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
• Olivier GFELLER (Switzerland), Mayor of Montreux
• Andreas LARENTZAKIS (Australia), Executive Director IIPT - International Institute for Peace through Tourism

More information about the Caux Palace as part of the Global Peace Parks Initiative

Buffet Dinner

Concert: Licia Chery & Raoul Baumann

With:

• Licia CHERY (Switzerland), Author, Singer, Composer, Publisher & Presenter
• Raoul BAUMANN (Switzerland), Composer, Arranger & Producer

Organised with the support of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation

Songs for Peace, Unity & Reconciliation Songs (Taizé Songs)

With:

Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach