Caux Democracy Forum – Opening Ceremony

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.

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!

REGISTRATION FOR DAY GUESTS

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, registration is required: SIGN UP HERE

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

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATIONS OPEN ON 1 DECEMBER 

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More information

• Terms & Conditions 2026

Questions?

For further information, please get in touch BY EMAIL.