ABOUT THE EVENT
Revitalising Democracy: Hope, Healing and Human Security
Join us for the Opening Ceremony of the Caux Democracy Forum, launching a transformative week dedicated to revitalising democracy through hope, healing and human security. The ceremony will take place on 22 June in the heart of international democratic and human rights institutions in Geneva, in the iconic amphitheatre of La Maison de la Paix.
- When: 22 June 2026 (13:30 – 16:30 CEST)
- Where: Amphitheatre, Maison de la Paix, Chemin Eugène Rigot 2, Geneva, Switzerland
- Free Entrance (registration for day guests required): SIGN UP HERE
Bringing together leaders, practitioners and changemakers from diverse sectors and regions, the Opening Ceremony will spark reflection on the state of democracy today and illuminate pathways for renewal.
You will be introduced to the core themes driving the Caux Democracy Forum and to the journey that continues in Caux, where deeper dialogue, learning and collaboration will unfold throughout the week.
This opening moment is designed to create a vibrant shared space—a chance to reconnect, find inspiration and envision tangible possibilities for democratic transformation.
PROGRAMME
13:30–14:30 – Opening Ceremony
High-level welcome with participants from the Human Rights Council - an ideal moment to connect global perspectives with short speeches from key political and institutional figures, a keynote on “Revitalising Democracy,” and a symbolic opening moment to set the tone and purpose of the Forum.
15:00–16:30 – The Inner Dimensions of Democracy
Academic framing on inner development and Hope, Healing and Human Security, followed by a dynamic exchange between speakers and the audience.
16:30-17:00 – Refreshments, Networking & Transfer to Caux
Enjoy refreshments and a dedicated networking time before joining the group transfer by bus to Caux (for participants who have booked accommodation at the Caux Palace - see pricing below).
SPEAKERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Michael Camilleri
Branch Chief, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
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Ambassador Tim Enderlin
Head of Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD), Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
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Lieutenant Governor Ghazala F. Hashmi
Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA
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Christine Lutringer
Executive Director & Senior Researcher & Lecturer, Graduate Institute Geneva
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Sarah Noble
Head of Global Engagement, Creative Peacebuilding & Inner Development, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
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Sidra Raslan
Co-Founder Creative Leadership & HP Amplify Impact Partner Sustainability Program Support & Community Lead
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Michael Camilleri
Branch Chief, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Learn more
Ambassador Tim Enderlin
Head of Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD), Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
Learn more
Lieutenant Governor Ghazala F. Hashmi
Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA
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Christine Lutringer
Executive Director & Senior Researcher & Lecturer, Graduate Institute Geneva
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Sarah Noble
Head of Global Engagement, Creative Peacebuilding & Inner Development, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
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Sidra Raslan
Co-Founder Creative Leadership & HP Amplify Impact Partner Sustainability Program Support & Community Lead
Learn more
MORE INFORMATION
- Terms & Conditions 2026
- Visa Applications for the Caux Democracy Forum 2026 - General Info & Information Zoom Sessions: Find out more
QUESTIONS?
For further information, please get in touch BY EMAIL.
Ambassador Christian Guilleremet-Fernandez, Corinne Momal-Vanian, Shukria Barakzai, Elder Alvin Manitopyes (photo: Leela Channer)
REGISTRATION
- DAY GUESTS - FREE ENTRANCE (registration required)
- Are you registered for the full Forum, the 2-Night Caux Experience or the Reimagining Democracy(ies) programme? Participation at the Opening Ceremony and the transfer to Caux are included and no extra registration for the Opening Ceremony is required.
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Our Partners
The Caux Democracy Forum 2026 is organised by the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation in collaboration with:
- EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne)/C4DT, bringing scientific and technological innovation to democratic practice.
- Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy), contributing cutting-edge research on democracy;
- Initiatives of Change International, with its long-standing experience in trustbuilding, ethical leadership and reconciliation;
- The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), providing diplomatic experience and international outreach;
- Jean-Monnet Foundation for Europe, contributing historical and civic insight, including an exhibition presented during the Forum
- UN Human Rights Council (OHCHR), ensuring that democratic revitalisation is anchored in universal human rights.
- Creative Leadership, offering training and a platform for young voices from around the globe
- International Gender Champions for their contribution to breaking down gender barriers.
We are grateful for the support of:
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22 June 2026: Opening Ceremony Caux Democracy Forum - Programme
programme
Monday, 22 June
ABOUT THE EVENT
Bringing together leaders, practitioners and changemakers from diverse sectors and regions, the Opening Ceremony of the Caux Democracy Forum will spark reflection on the state of democracy today and illuminate pathways for renewal.
You will be introduced to the core themes driving the 5-day Caux Democracy Forum and to the journey that continues in Caux, where deeper dialogue, learning and collaboration will unfold throughout the week.
This opening moment is designed to create a vibrant shared space—a chance to reconnect, find inspiration and envision tangible possibilities for democratic transformation.
MASTER OF CEREMONY:
- Sarah NOBLE, Head of Global Engagement, Creative Peacebuilding & Inner Development at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
WELCOME ADDRESS
- Jacqueline COTÉ, President of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
- Ambassador Tim ENDERLIN, Head of Peace and Human Rights Division, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
WORDS OF WISDOM
"Ethics, responsibility and the future of democracy": A reflective leadership intervention offering long-term political insight
- Yukio HATOYAMA, Former Prime Minister of Japan (2009–2010)
GLOBAL KEYNOTE PERSPECTIVES
High-level international leaders provide a global overview of democratic governance and human rights challenges.
- Lieutenant Governor Ghazala F. HASHMI, Lieutenant Governor of the U.S. State of Virginia (USA)
- Matjaž GRUDEN, Director for Democracy, Council of Europe
- Michael CAMILLERI, Branch Chief, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
This session shifts the focus to the human, cultural, and psychological foundations that sustain democratic life.
Co-Moderators:
- Ignacio PACKER, Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
- Sidra RASLAN, Co-Founder Creative Leadership youth initiative & HP Amplify Impact Partner Sustainability Program Support and Community Lead
PART 1: Facts about the state of democracy
A conversation examining current democratic trends worldwide: “Trump: The End of Western Democracy?”
With:
- M. Richard WERLY, Swiss Journalist and Political Commentator
PART 2: Bridging systems change with inner change
An exploration of how sustainability transitions require transformation in leadership mindsets, values, and collective awareness.
With:
-
Christine WAMSLER, Professor, Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies
PART 3: Conversation on participative democracy
An interactive dialogue highlighting citizen engagement and participatory governance models.
With:
- Christine LUTRINGER, Executive Director & Senior Researcher, Albert Hirschmann Institute on Democracy - Graduate Institute Geneva
- Marie HÜRLIMANN, Co-Director, Foraus – Swiss Forum on Foreign Policy
PART 4: Women at the Heart of Democratic Economies
An intervention highlighting the role of women’s leadership, inclusive economic systems, and cross-regional cooperation in strengthening democratic resilience.
With:
- Ai SASAKI, Chairperson, Asia Women Leaders Forum (AWLF)
PART 5: Strengthening Democracy through Trustbuilding
With:
- Talia SMITH, Trustbuilding Program Manager, on behalf of Initiatives of Change International, award winner of the 2026 Luxembourg Peace Prize
A short coffee break with be offered at the end of the Opening Ceremony.
For participants of the Caux Democracy Forum who have booked:
- the full residential forum (22 - 26 June)
- the 2-Night Caux Experience
- participation at the Reimagining Democracy(ies) programme for young leaders
The bus journey from Geneva to the Caux Palace in buses, departing at 16:40 and 16:50 will be the opportunity, beyond the logistical travel, to connect people in the bus and inform on Caux as part of the International Geneva ecosystem offering a place to step back from daily institutional pressures and engage in deeper conversations on democracy, leadership, and human responsibility.
Please note that the bus transfer is included in bookings for all participants of the 2-Night Caux Experience and the full residential Caux Democracy Forum.
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For those travelling by car: For those arriving from Geneva/Lausanne/Vevey, please 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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Early arrivals: You can book 1 extra night (arrival Sun 21 June) before the Caux Democracy Forum starts. 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. (info for early arrivals)