Olivia Chollet holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Geneva, a MA in Pacific Asian Studies from the University of London (SOAS) and a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy from the Australian National University. Passionate about education and making knowledge accessible to all, she has published research on a range of topics with a strong interest for socio-environmental issues. She also has teaching experience across diverse audiences.
The Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation is pleased to announce its participation in the Peace Parks Initiative , a global network coordinated by the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT). This initiative aims to foster peace and environmental stewardship by recognizing meaningful places around the world as spaces for reflection, dialogue, and connection.
As a recognized Peace Park, the Caux Palace will become part of a network that includes over 450 locations worldwide, such as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Victoria Falls, and Pietermaritzburg.
These spaces serve as symbolic and practical sites for cultivating peace, celebrating cultural and historical heritage, and encouraging responsible tourism and sustainability.
By joining the Peace Parks network, the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation affirms its long-standing commitment to:
The participation at the Peace Park Initiative will be marked by the installation of a co-branded plaque, featuring a peace-themed quote, to be unveiled at the Caux Democracy Forum in July 2025.
The Caux Peace Park will be inaugurated at the Caux Democracy Forum Opening Ceremony on 8 July 2025 in the presence of Olivier Gfeller, mayor or Montreux, Andreas Larentzakis, from the International Institute for Peace through Tourism, and Jacqueline Coté, president of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation)
The evolving partnership with IIPT aligns with Caux Initiatives of Change’s core mission: to bring people together across cultures and sectors, foster trust, and inspire action for a more inclusive and peaceful world. We are excited to explore the potential of the Peace Parks initiative as a meaningful way to reflect and reinforce our identity as a space for peacebuilding, reflection, connection, dialogue, and unity.
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The inauguration of the Caux Peace Park will take place at the Caux Democracy Forum 2025.
Interested to know more? Discover the full programme and join us for the Opening Ceremony on 8 July (14:30)!
How can singing make a difference in people's lives? Pioneering Egyptian musician Dalia Younis was a guest speaker at the Creative Leadership conference in 2022 where she talked about how she uses sin...
'I have never been to Caux, because of visa issues. So when I received an email asking about the impact of the conference, I wrote as part of my reply, ‘Thank you for bringing Caux to us’. - Betty Nab...
Two years ago, Maria del Pilar went out dancing with one of her friends, Laura, who was ‘the funniest person’ she knew. Two weeks later, Laura committed suicide. Maria couldn’t understand how such a y...
Today at Towards an Inclusive Peace, we discussed the power of restorative justice. On July 12, Dr. Carl Stauffer, Associate Professor at Eastern Mennonite University, and Thalia González, Associate P...
‘Trust needs to exist for society to function at all,’ said Christine Beerli, Council Member of Initiatives of Change Switzerland and panel moderator, as she kicked off the Caux Forum 2018. Emerging t...
The Living Peace Conference opened on 6 August 2016, bringing together women, and some men, from 43 different countries at the Caux Palace to celebrate all that Creators of Peace has achieved over the...
Mpanzu Bamenga closed this year’s International Peacebuilders’ Forum (IPF) by sharing his story of migration from Zaïre to the Netherlands. He spoke of difficulties he encountered as a migrant, and h...
Addressing Europe’s Unfinished Business started on 16 July 2015. The day included discussions of what is meant when we say “Europe” and reflection on the many small but important steps that were made ...
Journalist and author Michael Smith urged the need for ‘conscience-based decision-making’ in banking, business and the economy when he launched his new book Great Company in Caux, Switzerland, on 28 J...
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MODERATION & INTRODUCTION
MUSICAL INTERLUDE
Participants choose one of the three sessions at the front desk when arriving at the Caux Palace (colour cards)
SESSION 1: Revitalising Democracy - Integrity
Where: Amphitheatre "Conrad" (2nd floor - access via corridor next to dining room)
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SESSION 2: Revitalising Democracy - Trust
Where: Main Hall
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CO-MODERATION:
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SESSION 3: Revitalising Democracy - Courage
Where: Caux Palace Theatre
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CO-MODERATION:
ART EXHIBITIONS - VERNISSAGE
Where: Belle Epoque & Caux Palace Esplanade
An exhibition produced thanks to a partnership between Photo Elysée - Lausanne, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
An exhibition with press cartoons by Godfrey MWAMPEMBWA aka GADO (Kenya) and Nadia KHIARI, alias Willis from Tunis (Tunisia).
RECEPTION including the Inauguration of CAUX AS A PEACE PARK
Where: Main Hall
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Organised with the support of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation
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More information about the Caux Palace as part of the Global Peace Parks Initiative
Enjoy a moment of quiet, inspiration and music by the bay window in the Main Hall, with a breathtaking view of the rising sun on the Swiss mountains and the lake.
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and others. Stay tuned.
Co-Moderators:
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!” Meeting three times during the Forum (9–11 July, 11:15–12:15), 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 leader, 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 you to be fully present, listen openly, and speak from the heart—if and when you feel ready.
How does it work?
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I. Artificial Intelligence, Inner growth and the future of democracy
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I. Promoting democracy dialogues – Constructive conversations
Resource person :
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Creative voices, democratic choices : How arts and culture strengthen democracy – “Dialogues on Humanity”
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I. From Wounds to Bridges: Overcoming Enmity and Reclaiming Connection
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I. Voices on the Map: Voices from Palestine
Step into the heart of the Caux Democracy Forum with our signature Candlelight Conversations—an inspiring evening experience designed to spark deep, authentic dialogue. Set in softly lit rooms at the Caux Palace, these sessions create a serene and reflective atmosphere for meaningful exchanges. Participants select a discussion group based on a topic that resonates with them, each guided by an experienced conversation lead and supported by a facilitator to ensure a smooth and enriching experience.
With intentionally small group sizes and a focus on trust-building, Candlelight Conversations offer a unique opportunity to go beyond the surface, share perspectives, and be part of conversations that truly matter.
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Enjoy a moment of quiet, inspiration and music by the bay window in the Main Hall, with a breathtaking view of the rising sun on the Swiss mountains and the lake.
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Stay tuned for our speakers
Co-Moderators:
I. Sustained Actions : Communities with a Purpose
Resource person :
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SESSION 1: Restoring mutual understanding and recognition as a prerequisite for trust
At the heart of Initiatives of Change’s philosophy is the belief that healing begins with acknowledging the inner motives, emotions, and prejudices of all those affected by conflict. To overcome division, the traumas and feelings of fear, insecurity, racism, injustice, betrayal, hatred, powerlessness, despair, and manipulated identities must first be heard and understood.
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I. Working for good democratic governance
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Moderation:
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Creative voices, democratic choices : How arts and culture strengthen democracy – “Democracy? What democracy?”
Organisers :
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Moderator:
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Enjoy a moment of quiet, inspiration and music by the bay window in the Main Hall, with a breathtaking view of the rising sun on the Swiss mountains and the lake.
Co-Moderators:
I. Where the Past Still Bleeds: A Workshop on Memory, Healing, and Reconciliation
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SESSION 2: Religions, both instruments of conflict and potential sources of peace
In this region, where the three major monotheistic religions originated, spirituality can be both exploited for political ends and harnessed as a powerful force for healing and reconciliation. This round table will explore how religious traditions contribute to conflict, but also how they can serve as bridges to peace and understanding.
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Dr Drissa KANAMBAYE (Mali), Political Advisor European Parliament
THEMATIC TRACK 3
I. Pioneering Minority Right : The Bonn-Copenhagen Declarations
A presentation & conversation with:
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SESSION 3: Building international awareness of the Middle East Conflicts
This third session will focus on the role of civil society and European nations in fostering a shared global consciousness around these conflicts. It will explore how to rehumanise international relations, galvanise social energy, and give real substance to human rights and solidarity.
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Mohamed GABRIS (Lebanon), Creative Leadership
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Enjoy a moment of quiet, inspiration and music by the bay window in the Main Hall, with a breathtaking view of the rising sun on the Swiss mountains and the lake.
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Moderator:
Viviane STRAUB (Germany/UK), Creative Leadership
After training as an audiovisual technician, Hannya Göldlin continued her studies at an adult education centre and joined the Foundation in June 2025 to support the technical team as an intern. A nature lover, she aspires to incorporate her commitment to the environment into her future career.
With a Master's degree in Modern Languages, Literature and Translation Studies from the University of Messina, Chiara Gierotto specialises in medieval French, a field that reflects her intellectual curiosity and interest in the cultural roots of language.
Andrew Stallybrass, together with his wife Eliane, has been involved in the work of Initiatives of Change for many years and in many capacities, including conference organisation, work weeks, communications. Andrew was one of the co-authors of 75 Years of Stories, published in 2021 to mark the Foundation’s 75th anniversary, previously led Caux Editions and is a member of the "For A New World" team, publishing stories and documents linked to the history of Initiatives of Change.
Gordon Robinson is a self-employed International Marketing Advisor with a distinguished 36-year career at The Timken Company, where he held senior leadership roles, including Managing Director and later Chairman of a publicly traded company in India. A Mechanical Engineer by training, Gordon’s early career included roles in Sales, Marketing, Advertising, and PR, followed by two decades in general management with global responsibilities.
Laurent Staffelbach brings extensive board-level experience and a proven track record in the real estate industry.
Gilbert Monnard has followed a diverse career path combining technical expertise, interpersonal skills and numerous humanitarian missions in Africa and Haiti with Médecins Sans Frontières and Swiss Cooperation. With a master's degree in water and the environment, he has also worked as an engineer and project manager in drinking water supply in Valais. Versatility, his desire to ‘be part of the world’ and his commitment to causes he believes in are the guiding principles of his career.
