Caux Democracy Forum 2026

Join us in Caux, Switzerland, from 22 to 26 June 2026, for the third edition of the Caux Democracy Forum, opening with a special Opening Ceremony at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva (22 June).

About the Event

Across Europe and around the world, democracy is under increasing pressure. Disinformation, distrust and growing divisions threaten to erode the freedoms and values that have long supported peaceful and resilient societies.

The Caux Democracy Forum 2026 is part of the Caux Democracy Programme and invites changemakers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and engaged citizens to come together to revitalise democracy, renew hope, foster healing and strengthen human security.

• REVITALISING DEMOCRACY calls us to breathe new life into our democratic systems and values—to rebuild trust, deepen participation and ensure that institutions truly serve people and planet.
• HOPE reminds us that renewal is possible. It empowers us to imagine and create fairer, greener and more inclusive futures.
• HEALING invites us to confront and transform the wounds of the past—the injustices, divisions and silences that continue to weaken trust today.
• HUMAN SECURITY places people at the centre. It links democracy with wellbeing, social justice, safety and sustainability, ensuring that no one is left behind.

At Caux, participants will engage with three interconnected thematic tracks:

1. Healing the Wounds of the Past – Fostering truth-telling, repair, and reconciliation.
2. Towards a Thriving Economy for People and Planet – Shaping systems aligned with wellbeing and planetary boundaries.
3. People Fostering Societal Cohesion – Strengthening belonging and cooperation across differences.

Inspired by the Council of Europe’s New Democratic Pact for Europe, the Forum brings together those who learn and practise democracy, those who protect it, and those who innovate for it.

Join us to connect, learn from one another and take meaningful action for the revitalisation of democracy—in yourself, your home, your community, your institutions, your country and beyond. Together, we can turn anxiety into agency and rebuild trust, one conversation at a time.

Let’s revitalise democracy—anchored in hope, healing and human security.

The Journey of the Caux Democracy Programme

22 JUNE - DAY 1 | Opening Day (Geneva, Maison de la Paix) — Set the Tone, Arrive in Caux, Start the Journey
23 JUNE - DAY 2 | Those We Elect — Stories, Trust, Accountability.
24 JUNE - DAY 3 | Community and Participation — Share, Connect, Co-Engage.
25 JUNE - DAY 4 | Equip — Learn, Practise, Apply.
26 JUNE - DAY 5 | Closing Day — Reflect, Commit, Depart.

A first version of the programme, including the announcement of selected speakers and contributors, will be available on our website from 1 February.

Interested in the Caux Democracy Forum? Find out more and discover the report 2025

Why Attend?

At the Caux Democracy Forum 2026, you will:

• Engage with peers from civil society, government, business and academia, and discover how democratic renewal is unfolding in diverse contexts;
• Build your capabilities in dialogue, repair, innovation and collaboration.
• Develop strategies and contribute to initiatives and partnerships emerging from the Forum's four-year programme (2024-27) for democratic renewal.

Reimagining Democracy(ies) - Strengthening Young Voices (ages 18-35)

We are delighted that Reimagining Democracy(ies), an immersive immersive programme for young leaders (ages 18 - 35), will be back in Caux for its second edition! 

This programme, organised by Creative Leadership, runs alongside the Caux Democracy Forum where 28 young changemakers come together to rethink democracy(ies), reimagine power, explore pressing global challenges and collectively attempt to rewrite the narratives that shape our societies through reflective spaces of learning/unlearning, storytelling, dialogue and art.

Interested in joining? Stay tuned for more.

Children 

Young people are vital stakeholders in the future of Caux. We are therefore committed to providing age-appropriate activities for younger children. These activities will be developed in close collaboration with parents and finalised after the registration closing date as the programme will depend on the number of children present in each age group. 

A free indoor play area and outdoor playground is available during the main events of the Caux Forum. Please be reminded that children remain the full responsibility of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Please note that all participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by their legal representative during their stay in Caux.

Opening Ceremony 2026 

• When: 22 June 2026 (13:30 – 16:30 CEST)
• Where: Amphitheatre, Maison de la Paix, Chemin Eugène Rigot 2, Geneva, Switzerland  
• Free Entrance (registration required for day guests): SIGN UP HERE

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.

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.

Schedule

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).

Stay tuned - a more detailed programme for the Opening Ceremony will be available in spring 2026!

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The Venues: The Maison de la Paix (Geneva) and the Caux Palace, Switzerland

The CDF 2026 journey will begin in Geneva, the global capital of diplomacy, at the Maison de la Paix, and continue in at the Caux Palace, a unique space for dialogue and reflection above Lake Geneva.

Once a Belle Époque Grand Hotel, the Caux Palace overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps from an altitude of 1000 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

Our Partners

The Caux Democracy Forum 2026 is organised by the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation in partnership 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;
• Municipality of Montreux, supporting the Forum locally and hosting participants in the region;
• 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

Your Registration Options

Early-Bird Registration (24 November 2025 - 28 February 2026)

The Opening Session will take place on Monday 22 June (13:30) at La Maison de la Paix, Geneva – the heart of international democratic and human rights institutions. This will be open to all without charge (registration required).

After the opening, the Caux Democracy Forum will move to the Caux Palace, where participants will engage in dialogue, workshops and experiential learning.

For your participation at CDF 2026, choose the format that best suits you! (early-bird rates available 24 November 2025 - 28 February 2026)

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OPENING CEREMONY (MAISON DE LA PAIX, GENEVA) - DAY GUEST

Participation at the Opening Ceremony on 22 June (13:30 - 16:30 CEST) in Geneva at the Maison de la Paix is free of charge.

• If you register for the full Forum or dthe 2-Night Caux Experience, participation at the Opening Ceremony and the transfer to Caux are included.
• If you wish to participate at the Opening Ceremony as a day guest only, SIGN UP HERE.

FULL PACKAGE WITH ACCOMMODATION - BEST CHOICE

Full Forum: Monday 22 June 13:30 → Friday 26 June 13:30

Immerse yourself in the complete experience. This package offers the richest combination of plenaries, learning tracks, cultural events, and community connections.  This is most people’s choice.

• All-inclusive event | Accommodation in standard single occupancy room: CHF 890.- CHF 990.-
• All-inclusive event | Accommodation in standard shared occupancy room: CHF 650.- CHF 750.-
• All-inclusive event | Accommodation in budget-friendly single occupancy room: CHF 570.- CHF 670.-
• Children from 6 to 14 | Accommodation shared with parents: CHF 355.- CHF 405.-
• Children from 0 to 5 | Accommodation shared with parents: CHF 0.-

2-NIGHT CAUX EXPERIENCE: EVENT SHORT PACKAGE WITH ACCOMMODATION

Monday 22 June 13:30 → Wednesday 24 June (full day including dinner & evening programme)

Join us for the Opening Ceremony in Geneva, then continue with two immersive days in Caux. Ideal for those seeking a shorter, high-impact participation.

• All-inclusive event | Accommodation in standard single occupancy room: CHF 460.- CHF 560.-
• All-inclusive event | Accommodation in standard shared occupancy room: CHF 340.- CHF 440.- 
• All-inclusive event | Accommodation in budget-friendly single occupancy room: CHF 300.- CHF 400.-
• Children from 6 to 14 | Accommodation shared with parents: CHF 185.- CHF 235.-
• Children from 0 to 5 | Accommodation shared with parents: CHF 0.-

FLEXIBLE ACCESS: EVENT PACKAGE WITHOUT ACCOMMODATION

Monday 22 June 13:30 → Friday 26 June 13:30

Tailor your participation with day passes for specific sessions. We especially recommend the Tuesday, when we will discuss with elected leaders, and Thursday, when we will explore how to equip heart and mind for democracy.

• All-inclusive event (without accommodation) CHF 375.- CHF400.-
• One-day event access | Tuesday, 23 June CHF 90.-
• One-day event access  | Wednesday, 24 June CHF 45.-
• One-day event access | Thursday, 25 June CHF 90.-
• One-day event access | Friday, 26 June CHF 45.-

EARLY-ARRIVAL PACKAGE SELECTION – ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

Sunday 21 June → Monday 22 June 

• Accommodation & Meals in standard single occupancy room CHF 185.-
• Accommodation & Meals in standard shared occupancy room CHF 125.-
• Accommodation & Meals in budget-friendly single occupancy room* CHF 105.-
• Children from 6 to 14 | Accommodation & Meals | Room shared with parents CHF 75.-
• Children from 0 to 5 |  Accommodation & Meals | Room shared with parents CHF 0.-

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATIONS OPEN ON 1 DECEMBER 

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More information

• Terms & Conditions 2026
• Practical Information for your stay at the Caux Palace
• Families with children at the Caux Democracy Forum 2026

Questions?

For further information, please get in touch BY EMAIL.