Caux Forum pour la démocratie – Cérémonie d'ouverture

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.

MUSIC

• Lou RÉMY, Violin

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

MUSIC

• Lou RÉMY, Violin

WORDS OF WISDOM

"Ethics, responsibility and the future of democracy": A reflective leadership intervention offering long-term political insight

• H.E. Yukio HATOYAMA, Former Prime Minister of Japan (2009–2010) 

MUSIC

• Lou RÉMY, Violin

GLOBAL KEYNOTE PERSPECTIVES

High-level international leaders provide a global overview of democratic governance and human rights challenges.

With musical interludes by Lou Rémy.

• 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)

With:

Tristan KAUFMANN, Musician & Medical Doctor

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 

MUSIC

• Lou RÉMY, Violin

PART 2: Linking Inner and Outer Transformation: Bridging Mindset, Behaviour, Culture, and System Change 

An exploration of how sustainability and democracy require transformations across individual and collective beliefs, values, worldviews, and the inner capacities that shape them. 

With: 

• Christine WAMSLER, Professor, Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS)

MUSIC

• Lou RÉMY, Violin

PART 3: A 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 

MUSIC

• Lou RÉMY, Violin

PART 4:  Women Revitalising Democracy: Economy, Trustbuilding, and Humanitarian Principles

With:

• Ai SASAKI, Chairperson, Asia Women Leaders Forum (AWLF)  

Women at the heart of democratic economies 
This intervention highlights the role of women’s leadership, inclusive economic models, and cross-regional cooperation in strengthening democratic resilience. 

• Talia SMITH, Trustbuilding Program Manager, on behalf of Initiatives of Change International, award winner of the 2026 Luxembourg Peace Prize

Strengthening democracy through Trustbuilding  
A focus on how Trustbuilding approaches can foster inclusive societies, rebuild civic trust, and support democratic participation. 

• Elisabeth DECREY WARNER, Founder and former Executive President, Geneva Call & Director of The Geneva Conventions' World Tour

Reactivating humanitarian principles: The Geneva Convention’s World Tour 
As the Geneva Conventions face growing challenges, this global initiative mobilizes civil society through a symbolic torch journey to raise awareness, strengthen democratic accountability, and reaffirm humanitarian principles and human dignity. 

CLOSING REMARKS

• 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  

MUSIC

• Lou RÉMY, Violin

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. 

________________________________________________________

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. 

Discover more practical information for your stay in Caux

Nous vous invitons à visiter les expositions et à profiter des rafraîchissements proposés sur l'esplanade (si le temps le permet) et dans les Galeries (4ème étage). 

Nous concluons cette journée par un moment de réflexion et de méditation, accompagné de chants Taizé pour la paix, l'unité et la réconciliation.

Avec :

• Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Chanteuse, Compositrice, Coach vocal 

Join the Greeting of the Day ceremony in the gardens of the Caux Palace followed by a moment of quiet reflection with a view on the Swiss mountains, the Leman and the rising sun.

With: 

• Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Communicator, Educator & Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
• David FABER (Canada), Advocate for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
• Laurie JOHNSTON (USA), Professor of Theology, Emmanuel College, Boston.USA

Personal Stories & Conversations

What makes democracy truly work: strong leaders, engaged citizens, or both?  What kind of leaders do we support or want to be? What values guide our choices? And what kind of citizens do we aspire to be? 

Day 2 of the Caux Democracy Forum invites us to explore the vital relationship between democratic leadership and active citizenship. Bringing together political leaders, civil society voices, and participants from around the world, the day will examine how trust, responsibility, and civic engagement shape the vitality of democratic societies. 

Through lived experiences and inspiring personal stories, we will reflect on responsibility, trust, and participation and explore our own role in renewing democratic life. 

Co-Moderators: 

• Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Communicator, Educator & Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
• Sawsan RASLAN (Syria), Creative Leadership & Sustainability and Controls Assurance, Deloitte

With:

• Laurent WEHRLI (Switzerland), Member of the Swiss National Council
• Lieutenant Governor Ghazala F. HASHMI (USA), Lieutenant Governor of the U.S. State of Virgina
• H.E. Yukio HATOYAMA (Japan), Former Prime Minister of Japan from 2009 to 2010 

Community Groups are a core part of the Caux Democracy Forum experience, helping to build a sense of unity and shared purpose—“Let’s do this together!”

These small, diverse groups of around 15 participants offer a space to reflect on the plenary themes, exchange ideas, and learn from one another’s lived experiences.

Guided by a community group facilitator, each session creates a safe, respectful environment where deep conversations can flourish and real connections begin.

With ground rules rooted in trust, inclusion, and care, these groups invite us to be fully present, listen openly, and speak from the heart—if and when participants feel ready. They are often a great place to forge new and inspiring friendships.

Co-Coordinators:

• Véronique SIKORA (Switzerland), Facilitator & Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Management, Yverdon-les-Bains 
• Sawsan RASLAN (Syria), Creative Leadership & Sustainability and Controls Assurance, Deloitte

Key Conversation with:

• Pascal COUCHEPIN (Switzerland), Former President of the Swiss Confederation in 2003 and 2008 

Drawing on Pascal Couchepin's experience at the highest levels of public service and his deep knowledge of Swiss institutions, we will explore the evolving relationship between democratic leadership and civic responsibility. The conversation aims to reflect on how democratic systems can sustain trust, accountability, and active citizenship in a changing political landscape. 

Facilitated by:

• Chantal TAUXE (Switzerland), Journalist and known for her work on politics, society, and public affairs in French-speaking Switzerland.

1. People fostering societal cohesion  

This session aims to highlight the diverse ways in which citizens and communities contribute to strengthening the social fabric on which democracy depends. 

Co-Moderators:

• Ines MOKDADI (Tunisia), Global Engagement Events Coordinator 2026
• Manuela GARAY (Canada), Creative Leadership & Community Associate and Event Coordinator, IWG

With:

• Sentiment ONDO ELIBIYO, former Coordinator of Tournons la Page (TLP) Gabon & Deputy Secretary TLP International, on revitalising and dynamizing civil society in a country where everything has been severely undermined.

________________________________________________________

2. Thriving economy for people and planet  

The Democracy Stack: Moving Democracy to the Digital Realm

Organised in collaboration with EPFL - Center for Digital Trust

Introduction:

• Asheesh KANEJA, Innovation Catalyst

Moderator:

• Katherine LOH, Strategic Initiatives Lead at C4DT/EPFL

With:

• Andrzej NOWAK, Head of Open Innovation at SICPA
• Sandro SCALCO, Project Lead E-Collecting at the Foundation for Direct Democracy

Like many aspects of everyday life, democracies increasingly rely on digital services, creating opportunities for inclusion and efficiency, while introducing new vulnerabilities. Digital identities, e-voting, and e-collection of signatures are foundational elements that enable democratic processes through digital means. However, the promise of more secure, efficient, and inclusive democracies comes with significant challenges if not properly implemented, including fraud, coercion, privacy breaches, security threats, misinformation, and surveillance risks.

The Center for Digital Trust (C4DT) at EPFL aims to initiate dialogue on this frontier issue by convening interdisciplinary experts to collaboratively identify requirements and building blocks for trustworthy digital democracy. This session will gather perspectives from government, industry, civil society, and academia to establish core technical, legal, and social foundations needed and catalyze the cross-sector collaboration necessary to realize them.

___________________________________________________________________

3. Healing the Wounds of the Past  (main language: French)

With:

• Carine Ayélé DURAND, Social Anthropologist, Museum of Ethnography Geneva (MEG)
• Léo BULLIARD, PhD Student at the University of Neuchâtel
• Sylvie MAKELA, Co-Founder Tribus Urbaines & Vice-President MélanieSuisse

Moderated by:

• Luisa BALLIN (Italy/Switzerland), Journalist

What kind of democracy in the face of rising racism and intolerance?

A week after the Swiss referendum on “No to a Switzerland of 10 Million,” regardless of the outcome, one question stands out: what kind of democracy do we want in the face of rising intolerance and racism?

Between memory, political choices, and civic responsibility, the issue is not only who we elect but, above all, who we choose to be.

We will explore:

• the role of cultural institutions and narratives in building a conscious and inclusive citizenship,
• how the memory of the past influences our current democratic choices,
• and individual and collective responsibility in the face of today’s challenges of racism.

Step into the heart of the Caux Democracy Forum and immerse yourself in our signature Candlelight Conversations - an inspiring evening experience created just for you to engage in deep, authentic dialogue.

In the softly lit rooms of the Caux Palace, you will find a calm and welcoming space where meaningful exchanges can unfold.

Choose a topic that resonates with you, join a small group guided with care, and allow yourself to connect, reflect and share openly. This is your opportunity to go beyond the surface, build trust and be part of conversations that truly matter.

Nous concluons cette journée par un moment de réflexion et de méditation, accompagné de chants Taizé pour la paix, l'unité et la réconciliation.

Avec :

• Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Chanteuse, Compositrice, Coach vocal 

Join the Greeting of the Day ceremony in the gardens of the Caux Palace followed by a moment of quiet reflection with a view on the Swiss mountains, the Leman and the rising sun.

With: 

• Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Communicator, Educator & Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
• David FABER (Canada), Advocate for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
• Laurie JOHNSTON (USA), Professor of Theology, Emmanuel College, Boston.USA

Personal Stories & Conversations

What kind of citizens do we choose to be in a time of democratic uncertainty?

Day 3 of the Caux Democracy Forum invites us to explore how communities, civic engagement, personal responsibility shape the health of democratic societies and participation in different democratic contexts.

Co-Moderation:

• John BOND (UK/Australia), Journalist & Author, Initiatives of Change
• Cyrine AZAIEZ (Tunisia), Creative Leadership & Migration Researcher, Sustainability Advocate & Intercultural Dialogue Facilitator. 

With: 

• Shri Pramod BORO (India), Former Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council
• Hiroshi ISHIDA (Japan), Executive Director, Caux Round Table Japan
• Dr Poorna GUNASEKERA (UK/Sri Lanka), Medical Doctor, Academic and Founder of Global Plymouth

Experience the joyfulness and power of your voice 

• With: Fast4Meter (Pierre Walther & Catherine von Graffenried), Artists & Storytellers
• Language: English, German, French
• Track: Healing the Wounds of the Past

How to manage democracy in times of crisis? Lessons from Ukraine

• With:
  • Leonid DONOS, Executive Director, Association for Community Participatory Development (ACPD)
  • Kateryna MALTSEVA, Programme Director, Association for Community Participatory Development (ACPD)
  • Mariam POLOYAN, Communicatons Manager, Association for Community Participatory Development (ACPD)
  • Olga MEREZHUK, Operations and Programme Officer at Initiatives of Change International
• Language: English
• Track: Towards a Thriving Economy for People and Planet

Who is left out? - Inequity, Empathy, and the Health of Democracy

• With: Julia SULLIVAN, Clinical Associate Professor, Arizona State University
• Language: English
• Track: People Fostering Societal Cohesion

From Enmity to Connection: Practising Social Cohesion in Times of Conflict.

• With: Sophie KAYES, Human Rights Advocate & Campaigner & Mira ONISCHENKO SCHLATE, Filmmaker
• Language: English
• Track: People Fostering Societal Cohesion

Resilient Supply Chains, Shared Prosperity: Rethinking Business in Times of Crisis 

• With:
  • Yuko TSUTSUI, Managing Executive Officer, NYK Line
  • Hiroshi ISHIDA, Executive Director, Caux Round Table Japan
  • Miho OKADA, Director, Caux Round Table Japan
• Language: English
• Track: Towards a Thriving Economy for People and Planet

When Trust Takes Shape: Exploring Connection through the Arts and Dialogue

• With:
  • Anne-Catherine SUTERMEISTER, Head of Community Engagement - Switzerland, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation 
  • Audrey CAVELIUS, Artist
• Language: French
• Track: People Fostering Societal Cohesion

Elections under Attack

• With:
  • Sentiment ONDO ELIBIYO, Former Coordinator of Tournons la Page (TLP) Gabon & Deputy Secretary TLP International, specialist in citizen election monitoring
• Language: English
• Track: People Fostering Societal Cohesion

• Your Time, Your Experience

This afternoon invites you to enjoy the spectacular nature around the Caux Palace at your own pace—whether through reflection, gentle activities, or simply taking time to rest and recharge in a peaceful setting.

With a flexible, choose-your-own format, you are free to shape your experience in a way that feels meaningful, balancing quiet moments, exploration, and connection.

• A Moment of Connection in the Tipi

Gather under and around the tipi in the Caux gardens for a special encounter with Lewis Cardinal and Davis Faber. This moment offers a space for reflection and exchange, where indigenous perspectives meet the natural surroundings.

By reconnecting respect for nature with respect for community, this session offers a powerful lens on the cultural and spiritual foundations of a more conscious, participatory democracy.

With: 

• Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Communicator, Educator & Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
• David FABER (Canada), Advocate for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples

• Guided Walks in Nature

Choose from a variety of guided walks adapted to different physical levels. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll through scenic paths or a more challenging hike, there is something for everyone. For those seeking a physical challenge, an optional ascent toward Rochers de Naye.

• Experiential Nature Walk

With:

Olivia CHOLLET, Caux Initiatives of Change

Democratic resilience and the warning signs of democratic backsliding 

This evening session invites participants to reflect on the fragility and resilience of democratic institutions through the screening of the documentary Democracy Noir (watch the trailer). 

The film explores how democratic erosion can occur gradually when the safeguards of democracy—independent courts, media pluralism, oversight institutions, and fair political competition—are weakened. Rather than dramatic ruptures, it illustrates how shifts in laws, institutional capture, and control of the information space can slowly undermine democratic accountability. 

Set in Hungary, the documentary follows three women—an opposition politician, an investigative journalist, and a nurse—who confront corruption and democratic backsliding in their daily lives. Their stories illustrate the courage and persistence of citizens working to defend democratic values in challenging political environments. 

Following the screening, a panel discussion will broaden the conversation to examine global trends of democratic backsliding. Speakers from Europe and the United States will reflect on warning signs of democratic erosion, the role of civil society, and how institutions and citizens can strengthen democratic resilience. 

Taking place shortly after Hungary’s parliamentary elections in April 2026, the discussion provides a timely opportunity to reflect on democratic developments in Europe and beyond. Perspectives from Ireland will also offer insights into democratic renewal and civic participation. 

The session invites participants to engage in dialogue around a central question:

How can citizens, institutions, and democratic cultures respond when democratic safeguards begin to weaken?

With:

• Amanda FERNANDEZ (USA), Policy Director, ACLU Hawaii
• Konstantine GAGNIDZE (Georgia), Executive Board Member of JEF Europe and President of JEF Georgia 
• Mary MAYENFISCH-TOBIN (Ireland), Lawyer, Lecturer, University Counsellor, Mediator & Advisor

Nous concluons cette journée par un moment de réflexion et de méditation, accompagné de chants Taizé pour la paix, l'unité et la réconciliation.

Avec :

• Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Chanteuse, Compositrice, Coach vocal 

Join the Greeting of the Day ceremony in the gardens of the Caux Palace followed by a moment of quiet reflection with a view on the Swiss mountains, the Leman and the rising sun.

With: 

• Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Communicator, Educator & Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
• David FABER (Canada), Advocate for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
• Laurie JOHNSTON (USA), Professor of Theology, Emmanuel College, Boston.USA

Experience the joyfulness and power of your voice 

• With: Fast4Meter (Pierre Walther & Catherine von Graffenried), Artists & Storytellers
• Language: English, German, French
• Track: Healing the Wounds of the Past

Strengthening democracy through personal transformation

• With:
  • Leonid DONOS, Executive Director, Association for Community Participatory Development (ACPD)
  • Kateryna MALTSEVA, Programme Director, Association for Community Participatory Development (ACPD)
  • Mariam POLOYAN, Communicatons Manager, Association for Community Participatory Development (ACPD)
  • Olga MEREZHUK, Operations and Programme Officer at Initiatives of Change International
• Language: English
• Track: Towards a Thriving Economy for People and Planet

Equip - The Initiatives of Change Starter Kit

• With:
  • Christoph SPRENG, Editor and Coordinator of the INGO Dialogue Toolkit initiative & IofC Representative to the Council of Europe
  • Ines MOKDADI, Global Engagement Events Coordinator 2026 & Professor of English in Kairouan, Tunisia
• Language: English (with French interpretation)
• Track: People Fostering Societal Cohesion

From Polarisation to Dialogue: Practical tools for mediation and negotiation

• With: Martin ALBANI, Senior Advisor Peacebuilding, Mediation and Negotiation
• Language: English
• Track: Healing the Wounds of the Past

Siena's Allegory of Good and Bad Government

• With: Laurie JOHNSTON, Professor of Theology, Emmanuel College, Boston/USA
• Language: English
• Track: Healing the Wounds of the Past

Practicing Listening: Welcome the Other to strengthen democratic dialgoue

• With: Philippe UNGAR, Writer, Sound Archivist & Filmmaker
• Language: French
• Track: Towards a Thriving Economy for People and Planet

Experience the joyfulness and power of your voice 

• With: Fast4Meter (Pierre Walther & Catherine von Graffenried), Artists & Storytellers
• Language: English, German, French
• Track: Healing the Wounds of the Past

From Insight to Action - Building Resilient Democracies

• With:
  • Leonid DONOS, Executive Director, Association for Community Participatory Development (ACPD)
  • Kateryna MALTSEVA, Programme Director, Association for Community Participatory Development (ACPD)
  • Mariam POLOYAN, Communicatons Manager, Association for Community Participatory Development (ACPD)
  • Olga MEREZHUK, Operations and Programme Officer at Initiatives of Change International
• Language: English
• Track: Towards a Thriving Economy for People and Planet

Equip to improve accountability and transparency in public life

• With: Christoph SPRENG, Editor and Coordinator of the INGO Dialogue Toolkit initiative & IofC Representative to the Council of Europe
• Language: English
• Track: Towards a Thriving Economy for People and Planet

Solstice Day at the Caux Palace - : Restitution Session

• With: Lewis CARDINAL,Communicator, Educator & Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
• Language: English
• Track: Towards a Thriving Economy for People and Planet

Speak up: Practising Active Bystander Behaviour for Inclusive Democracy

• With: Hannah REINL, Project Manager at the International Gender Champions
• Language: English
• Track: Towards a Thriving Economy for People and Planet

Democracy & the Arts - Perspectives on Europe and the World

• With:
  • Boris BRUCKLER, Information & Documentation Specialist, Jean Monnet Foundation for Europe
  • Adeline OSDAUTAJ, Project Officer, Jean Monnet Foundation for Europe
  • Sandrine VUILLE, Head of Events and Outreach, Jean Monnet Foundation for Europ
  • Anne-Catherine SUTERMEISTER, Head of Community Engagement - Switzerland, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
• Language: French
• Track: Towards a Thriving Economy for People and Planet

Co-Moderation:

• Steven LIN (Canada), Creative Leadership & Community Organizer

Nous concluons cette journée par un moment de réflexion et de méditation, accompagné de chants Taizé pour la paix, l'unité et la réconciliation.

Avec :

• Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Chanteuse, Compositrice, Coach vocal 

Join the Greeting of the Day ceremony in the gardens of the Caux Palace followed by a moment of quiet reflection with a view on the Swiss mountains, the Leman and the rising sun.

With: 

• Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Communicator, Educator & Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
• David FABER (Canada), Advocate for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
• Laurie JOHNSTON (USA), Professor of Theology, Emmanuel College, Boston.USA

Please make sure to check out of your rooms. You’re welcome to leave your luggage in the designated storage area until departure, or bring it with you to the Main Hall for the Closing Session. 

Moderator:

• Sarah NOBLE, Head of Global Engagement, Inner Development & Creative Peacebuilding, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Commitments & Closing

Co-Moderators:

• Sarah NOBLE, Head of Global Engagement, Inner Development & Creative Peacebuilding, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
• Ignacio PACKER, Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation