Appointment of Ignacio Packer as Executive Director of Initiatives of Change Switzerland
20/01/2023
It is with pleasure that we announce the appointment of Ignacio Packer as Executive Director of the Initiatives of Change Switzerland Foundation, starting 1 May 2023.
Ignacio Packer is currently the Executive Director of ICVA, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience in the fields of development cooperation, human rights and humanitarian assistance. He served a five-year term as Secretary General of the Terre des Hommes International Federation, and previously worked for the Terre des Hommes Foundation, the Swiss Tropical Institute, the European Association for Development and Health, Médecins Sans Frontières, KPMG and the European Bank for Latin America. He has been involved in various Initiatives of Change activities, primarily in Caux, and has passion and vision for the future.
‘On behalf of the Council I am delighted to welcome Ignacio as our next Executive Director,’ says Jacqueline Coté, President of IofC Switzerland. ‘He possesses the essential values-based leadership skills that are needed to steer the Foundation in its next phase of development, as well as an international network built over several decades that will greatly support our new strategy. Both of these elements will ensure the sustainability of our Foundation and its unique contribution both to the Initiatives of Change movement and our partners.’
Ignacio says of this new opportunity: ‘I am grateful for what I have experienced with my colleagues in leading the ICVA network. I am deeply honoured by the trust the board of IofC Switzerland has placed in me. I have a high degree of confidence in the strengths of IofC and its dedicated team. I am excited to contribute with IofC to building trust across the world’s divides, leading ethically and living sustainably.’
Opening Ceremony
Caux Forum 2023
The Caux Forum is returning with a range of in-person events and aims to bring to the world an urgent message of hope and challenge. Some online elements will be incorporated to include those who can’t participate in person.
We look forward to welcoming you at the Opening Ceremony of the Caux Forum 2023 on 18 July 2023. The in-person event will take place in Caux and offer a panel discussion on key challenges facing community trust-building and where we can find hope.
Interested?
Keep an eye on our upcoming communications and watch this space as we keep updating this event page with information about guest speakers, programme details, registration, etc.
REGISTRATION SOON
Caux, high above Montreux overlooking the Lake of Geneva, is the site of the Swiss Initiatives of Change conference centre. Initiatives of Change International is hosting the Caux Forum in cooperation with Initiatives of Change Switzerland. Partners include the Global Indigenous Dialogue, Creators of Peace and IofC’s Trustbuilding Program.
Trust and Integrity in Democracy
Caux Forum 2023
How can we see a resurgence of trust in our political systems? And what can ordinary citizens do to reverse this trend and strengthen democracy in their respective countries? Join us on 24 - 26 July, 2023 in Caux!
About the event
In the 1990s democracy was advancing across the world. Today democracy is regressing and authoritarian regimes are gaining ground. The 2022 World Justice Project Index finds that the rule of law has declined globally for the fifth year in a row.
Many of our leaders are undermining democratic values for short-term personal and party objectives. This is putting democracy at risk.
Democracy thrives through people who work for integrity and inclusivity, who resolve conflict, who build trust across sectors and at all levels of society.
This forum is for those who want to discover how to help their countries respond effectively to internal and global challenges.
How can we see a resurgence of trust in our political systems? And what can ordinary citizens do to reverse this trend and strengthen democracy in their respective countries?
Interested?
Keep an eye on our upcoming communications and watch this space as we keep updating this event page with information about guest speakers, programme details, registration, etc.
For further information, please get in touch by email!
REGISTRATION SOON
Caux, high above Montreux overlooking the Lake of Geneva, is the site of the Swiss Initiatives of Change conference centre. Initiatives of Change International is hosting the Caux Forum in cooperation with Initiatives of Change Switzerland. Partners include the Global Indigenous Dialogue, Creators of Peace and IofC’s Trustbuilding Program.
Healing the Wounds of the Past
Caux Forum 2023
After decades in which conflict has gradually reduced around the world, the tide has turned. Conflict is increasing.
This forum will focus on a fundamental cause of this trend: the broken relationships caused by unhealed wounds of the past – personal, national and international.
Join us on 17 - 22 JULY 2023
in Caux Switzerland!
Participants are asked to arrive between 2.00pm and 6.00pm on Monday 17 July for the welcome dinner followed by the introductory session. The forum will end at 12.00 midday on Saturday 22 July.
About the event
After the Second World War, thousands of Germans and French came together at Caux and helped their countries build an entirely new relationship. Ever since, Caux forums have reached out across the world, contributing to healing in many painful situations.
Healing can come. New energy, vision and calling can emerge from each step taken to repair a relationship. Trust can grow again, and with it the cooperation needed to answer the huge environmental, economic and social challenges we face globally.
What we offer
This forum will focus on the experiences of people from all continents and many cultures. It will offer an opportunity to learn from each other, and from quiet reflection amidst the beauty of Caux’s setting.
Through trainings, plenaries, workshops and dialogues, it aims to equip participants to contribute to peace and human security by fostering:
- A greater understanding of the impact of historical wounds
- Heightened skills in dialogue facilitation, conflict transformation, trauma awareness and story-sharing
- Learning from personal experiences of healing past wounds and building trust.
Interested?
Keep an eye on our upcoming communications and watch this space as we keep updating this event page with information about guest speakers, programme details, registration, etc.
Rates
The rates for participation are still being worked out, and will soon be announced.
Partners
- Global Indigenous Dialogue
- Creators of Peace
- IofC Trustbuilding Program.
You can download the flyer here. For further information, please get in touch by email!
REGISTRATION SOON
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Caux, high above Montreux overlooking the Lake of Geneva, is the site of the Swiss Initiatives of Change conference centre. Initiatives of Change International is hosting the Caux Forum in cooperation with Initiatives of Change Switzerland. Partners include the Global Indigenous Dialogue, Creators of Peace and IofC’s Trustbuilding Program.
Caux Forum 2023: Save the Date
18 - 26 July 2023
16/12/2022
The Caux Forum is returning with two in-person events in July 2023 and aims to bring to the world an urgent message of hope and challenge. Some online elements will be incorporated to include those who can’t participate in person.
Opening Ceremony
18 July 2023, 10:00 – 12:00
A panel discussion on key challenges facing community trust-building and where we can find hope.
Healing the wounds of the past
18 - 22 July 2023
This event will provide a space for all who are searching for healing, reconciliation and ways to rebuild trust.
Broken relationships result from unhealed wounds, often transferred through generations. But healing can come. New energy, vision and calling can emerge from each step taken to repair a relationship. Trust can grow again, and with it the cooperation needed to answer the huge challenges we face globally. Including creating a new relationship with our natural environment.
Trust and Integrity in Democracy
24 – 26 July, 2023
How can we see a resurgence of trust in our political systems? And what can ordinary citizens do to reverse this trend and strengthen democracy in their respective countries?
This event is for those who want to discover how to help their countries respond effectively to internal and global challenges.
Please hold space in your schedules to join us at the Caux Forum in 2023.
Jacqueline Coté (President IofC Switzerland) & Gerald Pillay (President IofC International)