Reimagining Democracy(ies)

What if democracy isn’t broken — but simply outgrowing the narratives that once shaped it?

Who designs the narrative architecture we live inside?

And what happens when youth decide not to whisper inside systems built on silence?

About the Event

Across the world, politics often feels abstract – distant from the everyday realities it claims to serve. Freedom seems reserved for those who can afford it, and power remains concentrated where youth are expected to observe, not intervene. Yet, what if change begins not with institutions, but with the narratives we dare to weave, and the practices that make them real?

Alongside the Caux Democracy Forum, Reimagining Democracy(ies) is a 7-day immersive youth programme where 25 young changemakers (18–35) come together at the Caux Palace, Switzerland, to rethink democracy in diverse contexts, reimagine power, and explore pressing global challenges. The program blends reflection, inner development, dialogue, storytelling, art and creative expression with engagement in nature and the local ecosystem.

Reimagining Democracy(ies) reframes visibility as power, imagination as resistance,and participation as renewal,inviting young people to move from concern to coordination with curiosity, empathy and solidarity to create meaningful change at personal, social and political levels .

Who We Are

Creative Leadership is a youth-led global team of 15 volunteers, supported by the Caux Foundation and Initiatives of Change, united by the belief that meaningful change begins within — and is strengthened by collective organization and public accountability.

Formed in 2019 after the Caux Peace & Leadership Programme, we have since organized initiatives that foster solidarity, challenge dominant narratives, and reimagine our connection to ourselves, each other, and the world.

At the core of our work is creative stewardship, the ethic that links inner integrity to outward responsibility for the common good. Rooted in both creative leadership and ethical stewardship, our approach centers on positive change, sustainability, equity, compassion, and human flourishing.

Through this work, we create spaces where young leaders worldwide can reimagine democracy, reclaim and deepen their agency, and take meaningful action toward a more just, regenerative, and inclusive future.

You can learn more about us and our stories here 

Programme Flow

Please note that the programme schedule is tentative and provided as a guide. Final details will be confirmed closer to the dates.

Course language: English

• 19 June: Arrival at the John Knox International Centre, Geneva
• 19- 22 June: Start of the Reimagining Democracy(ies) programme in Geneva
• 22 June:  Opening Ceremony of the Caux Democracy Forum at La Maison de la Paix, Geneva & going up the mountain to Caux
• 22 - 26 June:  Continuation of Reimagining Democracy(ies) at the Caux Palace alongside the Caux Democracy Forum
• 26 June: Closing & Departure

The Venues: The Caux Palace near Montreux, Switzerland & the John Knox International Centre, Geneva

Reimagining Democracy(ies) takes place at the John Knox International Centre in Geneva and in our centre for dialogue and peacebuilding - the Caux Palace.

Once a former Belle Époque Grand Hotel, the Caux Palace overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps from an altitude of 1000m metres. Its tranquil setting and rich heritage offer a unique and inspiring space for reflection, exchange and collective exploration, away from the noise of everyday life.

Discover the rich history of this extraordinary venue

Workstreams

1. Leadership from the Self

To lead with authenticity through being present and cultivating self-awareness. Through active reflection, vulnerability and participation we are able to align and embody our core values. Being firmly rooted in our identity enables meaningful engagement with societal issues.

2. Weaving our Narratives

We use storytelling as a powerful tool to transform individual and collective experiences. Weaving our narratives deepens self-knowledge, supports healing, and builds unity across divides. Through this workstream, we integrate aspects of systems literacy to explore how personal stories intersect with wider social, cultural, historical, and structural forces. This approach allows participants to foster empathy, build community, and strengthen solidarity that leads to meaningful change.

3. Creative Democracy

To explore creative ways to develop a grassroots, inclusive democracy by providing a space to collectively ideate approaches that can be implemented in participants’ local contexts. To encourage youth awareness that will support them to actively contribute to informed and responsible decisions and actions that impact their lives.

Objectives

• Contextualised Democratic Engagement: Encourage participants to explore and redefine concepts of democracy, ensuring systems adhere to their localised essence. This includes fostering empathy, active listening, and engaging ideological differences.
• Reframing Narratives: Breakdown mainstream European-derived definitions of democracy and language, opening space for diverse civic traditions and enabling participants to reframe narratives in ways that are culturally inclusive and participatory.
• Personal Transformation: Equip participants with a deep understanding of their identities and values, fostering inner leadership and self-governance.
• Expanded Networks: Promote connections among diverse participants and encourage collaboration across cultures and backgrounds, thus fostering a vibrant community of future leaders. We aim especially to invite people beyond the European audience.

Democracy, like justice, is often recognized by its absence — made visible through systems and structures that exclude. Reimagining it calls us to rebuild those very frameworks so they serve everyone, not just a few.

Rohit Valecha, Director of International Programmes at IofC USA,

Outcomes and Practical Skills: What should participants expect

• Inner Listening: A practice to cultivate deep listening in order to become more conscious of the self and one’s thoughts.
• Dialogue and Reflection: Spaces for sharing personal experiences and gaining greater perspectives on the world at large.
• Art as a Tool for Advocacy: Practices to use art as a means to create socio-political change and greater community engagement.
• Story Sharing: An exchange between participants to foster empathy and non-judgement, whilst learning through the experiences of others.
• Skills for Peacebuilding and Resilience: Tools to build peace, transform conflicts, and strengthen inner resilience skills to face personal and community challenges.
• Inner Development Goals (IDG) Integration: A chance to explore inner capacities such as self-awareness, empathy, critical thinking courage and presence, guided by the IDG framework.
• Eco-Systems Awareness & Nature-Based Learning: Engagement in guided practices to help participants to connect with nature, deepen grounding and insight, shifting from ego- to eco-awareness and learning from natural systems as models of regeneration and sustainability.
• Sustainable Impact: The creation of an alumni network for follow-up projects and community impact efforts.

Who this programme is for

Reimagining Democracy(ies) is designed for 25 participants from across the world, primarily aged 18-35.

We encourage applications from:

• Those who yearn and actively create change within themselves and in the world.
• Individuals eager to explore inner-development and personal growth as tools for action.
• Anyone looking to connect with an international network, exchange ideas, and explore solutions from diverse perspectives.

Participants will be selected through an application process to ensure a strong alignment with the program’s goals. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. 

What past participants said

"Spending a week in Caux, Switzerland, immersed in the Reimagining Democracies program, has been nothing short of transformative.I return home deeply inspired — carrying with me new tools, global friendships, and a vision for more grounded, inclusive, and just democratic spaces." - Rahma (Tunisia)

"This programme offers a unique space to explore our realities, share our stories, and ignite change from the self-outward. I am feeling inspired and grateful for this journey of growth alongside such a thoughtful, diverse group of leaders." - Lilian (Sri Lanka)

"I am deeply thankful for these opportunities that it allow me to learn from people around the world, stregthen my empathy and build bridges as we continue to act with courage back at home." - Gladys (Honduras & USA)

"These discussions have reinforced my own work in leveraging technology for social good. I am feeling a mix of inspiration and urgency. There is so much to process, but I'm grateful to be in this space challenging assumptions and co-creating new ways forward." - Alex (USA)

"I had the chance to meet and learn from some of the most beautiful people in the world—personal connections I will carry with me forever." - Daniela (Honduras)

Participation Fees 

Participation fees for the full training course: CHF 1100.-

Fees will include: 

• Accommodation in a shared room at
  • John Know International Centre, Geneva (19 - 22 June)
  • the Caux Palace & Villa Maria (22 - 26 June)
• Participation in Reimagining Democracy(ies) Programme
• Partial participation in the Caux Democracy Forum
• Materials provided during the event
• Interpretation service and technical equipment (Caux Democracy Forum)
• Coffee and tea breaks as well as refreshments (22 - 26 June)
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Montreux Riviera Card
• VAT & City taxes

Scholarships

We are committed to making Reimagining Democracy(ies) accessible to a diverse group of participants. While we cannot guarantee full sponsorships, we will do our best to support those in need. If you require financial assistance, please reach out to us at by EMAIL.

Scholarships will cover only a portion of the accommodation costs, including meals at the Caux Palace, as well as partial support for flights. Participants who receive financial support will still need to cover the remaining fee and any additional travel expenses, including visas.

If you require financial assistance, you can indicate this through the application form.

Once selected as finalists, applicants must start their own visa procedures and we will provide a Letter of Invitation if needed.

Partners

• Initiatives of Change USA
• Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Useful Information

• Terms & Conditions 2026
• Visa Applications for the Caux Forum 2026 - General Info & Information Zoom Sessions: Find out more 
• Practical Information for your stay in Caux

Applications and Selection Timeline

• Applications Open: 1 December 2025
• Applications Close: 31 January 2026
• Final Decisions Sent: 15 March 2026

APPLY NOW