Opening Ceremony

With:

• Ambassador Francesca CAMILLERI VETTIGER (Malta), Chair of the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies, Malta's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe 
• Philippe LAZZARINI (Switzerland), UNWRA Commissioner-General
• Joseph DEISS (Switzerland), Swiss Economist and Politician, former President of the Swiss Confederation and former President of the United Nations General Assembly
• Jacqueline COTÉ (Canada/Switzerland), President Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
• Hajar BICHRI (Morocco), Creative Leadership, from our parallel youth democracy programme "Reimagining Democracy(ies), will introduce a short film presenting their fresh perspectives and hope.

MODERATION & INTRODUCTION

• Ignacio PACKER, Executive Director Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

•  Jean-Marc VIGNOLI (France), violin

Discover the full Opening Ceremony programme. 

Refreshments

Parallel Sessions on: Integrity, Trust & Courage

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)

With:

• Ambassador Christian GUILLERMET-FERNÁNDEZ (Costa Rica), Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva

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SESSION 2: Revitalising Democracy - Trust

Where: Main Hall

With:

• Ambassador Nathalie CHUARD (Switzerland), Director of DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
• Roohullah SHINWARI (Afghanistan), Head of External Relations at AFA
• Anas ANSAR (Bangladesh), Senior Researcher at the Arnold-Bergstraesser-Institut, University of Freiburg, Germany
• Ambassador Doreen DEBRUM (Marshall Islands), Permanent Representative of the Marshall Islands to the UN and International Organisations in Geneva (invited)
• Jordan DAVIS (USA), RTS Correspondent in the USA and host of “Democracy! Démocratie!”

CO-MODERATION:

• Ignacio PACKER, Executive Director Caux Initiatives of Change
• Sidra RASLAN (Syria), Creative Leadership & Amplify Impact Partner Sustainability Program Support and Community Lead at HP 

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SESSION 3: Revitalising Democracy - Courage

Where: Caux Palace Theatre

With:

• Godfrey MWAMPEMBWA aka GADO (Kenya), Graphic journalist, Cartoonist, Animator & TV Producer
• Konstantine GAGNIDZE (Georgia), Founder & President of JEF Georgia

CO-MODERATION:

• JOHN BOND (Australia/UK), Journalist & Author, Initiatives of Change
• Manuela GARAY (Canada), Creative Leadership

Cultural & Networking Activities

ART EXHIBITIONS - VERNISSAGE

Where: Belle Epoque & Caux Palace Esplanade

"Dialogues on Humanity"

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.

"Democracy? What democracy?!"

An exhibition with press cartoons by Godfrey MWAMPEMBWA aka GADO (Kenya) and Nadia KHIARI, alias Willis from Tunis (Tunisia).

Find out more

RECEPTION including the Inauguration of CAUX AS A PEACE PARK 

Where: Main Hall

With:

• Jacqueline COTÉ (Canada/Switzerland), President Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
• Olivier GFELLER (Switzerland), Mayor of Montreux
• Andreas LARENTZAKIS (Australia), Executive Director IIPT - International Institute for Peace through Tourism

Buffet Dinner

Concert: Licia Chery & Raoul Baumann

With:

• Licia CHERY (Switzerland), Author, Singer, Composer, Publisher & Presenter
• Raoul BAUMANN (Switzerland), Composer, Arranger & Producer

Organised with the support of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation

Songs for Peace, Unity & Reconciliation Songs (Taizé Songs)

With:

• Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach

Greeting the Day Ceremony & Planting of the Caux Peace Park Tree

With: 

• Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue
• Timothy MARSHALL (USA), Board Chairman International Institute For Peace Through Tourism (IIPT)

More information about the Caux Palace as part of the Global Peace Parks Initiative

A Moment of Quiet Reflection

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.

Breakfast

Personal Stories & Conversations: Integrity

With:

• Marina LITVINENKO (Russia), Public Speaker and Justice Campaigner

and others. Stay tuned.

Co-Moderators:

• Sophie KAYES (UK), Human Rights Advocate & Campaigner
• Daniel CLEMENTS (UK), Creative Leadership

Coffee & Tea Break

Community Groups

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.

Lunch

Free Time

Welcome to our Thematic Tracks, Common Cause Groups...and more! 

How does it work?

• Build your own afternoon agenda
• Mix and match sessions freely

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THEMATIC TRACK 1 - Healing the Wounds of the Past 
I. Facing dictators : the power of truth over tyranny

With:

• Marina LITVINENKO (UK/Russia), Public Speaker & Justice Campaigner
• Shahida TULANGAYEVA (Uzbekistan), Producer & Director
• Natalia ARNO (Russia), Founder & President of Free Russia Foundation

THEMATIC TRACK 2 - Tpwards a thriving economy for people and planet

I. Artificial Intelligence, Inner growth and the future of democracy

With:

• Dr Cecilia CANNON, Managing Director, PolySinc
• Asheesh KHANEJA (India), Innovation Catalyst, Caux Initiatives of Change
• Tea MUSTAC (Croatia), Data Protection & AI Governance Expoert, Spirit Legal

THEMATIC TRACK 3 - People fostering societal cohesion

I. Promoting democracy dialogues – Constructive conversations 

Resource person :

• Heinrich PICK (Germany), and his experience with democracy dialogues in the city of Augsburg 

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Cultural Mediation Workshop

Creative voices, democratic choices : How arts and culture strengthen democracy – “Dialogues on Humanity”

Organisers : 

• Yvan LOEHLE (Switzerland), Head of Protection, Humanitarian Competence Centre, Swiss Development Cooperation
• Anne-Catherine SUTERMEISTER (Switzerland), Head of Community Engagement, Arts & Training Programmes for Switzerland, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Tea Break

THEMATIC TRACK 1 

I. From Wounds to Bridges: Overcoming Enmity and Reclaiming Connection

With:

• Sophie KAYES (UK), Human Rights Advocate & Campaigner
• Oleg ORLOV (Russia), Laureate of the 2019 Sakharov Prize & Co-Chair of Nobel Peace Prize winning Memorial Human Rights Centre (video address)
• Oleksandra MATVIICHUK (Ukraine), Human Rights Defender working on issues in Ukraine and the OSCE region and heading the human rights organisation Center for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize (video address)

THEMATIC TRACK 2 

THEMATIC TRACK 3

I. Voices on the Map: Voices from Palestine
 

Evening Meal

Caux Candlelight Conversations

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.

Songs for Peace, Unity & Reconciliation Songs (Taizé Songs)

With:

• Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach

Greeting the Day Ceremony

With: 

• Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue

A Moment of Quiet Reflection

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.

Breakfast

Personal Stories & Conversations: Trust

With:

Stay tuned for our speakers

Co-Moderators:

• Sarah Noble (Canada/Switzerland), Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initiatives of Change
• Maruee PAHUJA (India), Creative Leadership

Coffee & Tea Break

Community Groups

Lunch

Free Time

THEMATIC TRACK 1 

THEMATIC TRACK 2 

THEMATIC TRACK 3

I. Sustained Actions : Communities with a Purpose 

Resource person :

• Allan-Charles CHIPMAN (USA), Executive Director IofC USA,  with the experience in the city of Richmond, VA/USA

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Common Cause Group: Conflicts in the Middle East - Perspectives from France

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.

With: 

• Radjaa ABU DAGGE, Geostrategic Advisor
• Bertrand BADIE (pre-recorded speech), Political Scientist & Expert in International Relations
• Ghaleb BENCHEIKH, Islamologist & President of the Foundation of Islam in France
• Hervé Élie BOKOBZA, Theologian & Writer
• Janine ELKOUBY, Professor of classical literature and former vice-president of the Jewish Consistory of the Bas-Rhin
• Brahim HAMMOUCHE, Head of the Psychiatry Department, Metz-Thionville Hospital
• Pierre HASKI, Journalist (pre-recorded speech)
• Yoav LEVY, Teacher of biblical studies and specialised in Hebrew texts
• Alain MICHEL, Co-founder & President of ÉquiLibre, Founder of Hommes de Parole
• Claire REGGIO, Teacher & Trainer, Aix-Marseille University & Domuni Universitas
• DR. PETER SHAMBROOK, Independant Scholar, Author & Historical Consultant at the Balfour Project
• Rafaël TYSZBLAT, Mediator & Trainer in Interfaith and Inter-identity Dialogue
• Richard WERLY, Journalist (tbc)

Tea Break

THEMATIC TRACK 1 

With:

• Drissa KANAMBAYE (Mali), Political Advisor European Parliament (invited)
• Mathieu POURCHIER (France), Executive Director, Tournons la Page

THEMATIC TRACK 2 

THEMATIC TRACK 3

I. Working for good democratic governance

Resource person :

• Christoph SPRENG (Switzerland), IofC International’s representative to the Council of Europe,  with experiences at the Council of Europe and International Labour Organisation.

Moderation:

• Dr Laurie JOHNSTON (USA), Professor of Theology, Emmanuel College, Boston/USA

________________________________________________________________________

Cultural Mediation Workshop

Creative voices, democratic choices : How arts and culture strengthen democracy – “Democracy? What democracy?”

Organisers : 

• Godfrey MWAMPEMBWA (GADO) (Kenya), Cartoonist & Artist
• Anne-Catherine SUTERMEISTER (Switzerland), Head of Community Engagement, Arts & Training Programmes for Switzerland, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Evening Meal

Filmscreening & Panel Discussion: "Les Doléances" - The Voices of Citizens: Betweewn Grievances and Participation

With: 

• DILARA BAYRAK (Switzerland), Lawyer & Member of Grand Council of Geneva, Switzerland
• ALLAN-CHARLES CHIPMAN, Executive Director of Initiatives of Change USA
• FABRICE DALONGEVILLE, Independent Consultant & Mayor of Auger-Saint-Vincent (France)

Moderator:

• JORDAN DAVIS (USA), RTS Correspondent in the USA and host of “Democracy! Démocratie!”

Songs for Peace, Unity & Reconciliation Songs (Taizé Songs)

With:

• Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach

Greeting the Day Ceremony

With: 

• Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue

A Moment of Quiet Reflection

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.

Breakfast

Personal Stories & Conversations: Courage

Co-Moderators:

• John Bond (Australia/UK), Journalist & Author, Initiatives of Change
• Sawsan RASLAN (Syria), Creative Leadership

Coffee & Tea Break

Community Groups

Lunch

Free Time

THEMATIC TRACK 1 

 I. Where the Past Still Bleeds: A Workshop on Memory, Healing, and Reconciliation

With:

• Arshalouys TENBELIAN (Lebanon), Communications Specialist & Co-Chair Kurdish-Armenian-Turkish Dialogue

THEMATIC TRACK 2 

THEMATIC TRACK 3

________________________________________________________________________

Common Cause Group: Conflicts in the Middle East - Perspectives from France

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.

With: 

• Radjaa ABU DAGGE, Geostrategic Advisor
• Bertrand BADIE (pre-recorded speech), Political Scientist & Expert in International Relations
• Ghaleb BENCHEIKH, Islamologist & President of the Foundation of Islam in France
• Hervé Élie BOKOBZA, Theologian & Writer
• Janine ELKOUBY, Professor of classical literature and former vice-president of the Jewish Consistory of the Bas-Rhin
• Brahim HAMMOUCHE, Head of the Psychiatry Department, Metz-Thionville Hospital
• Pierre HASKI, Journalist (pre-recorded speech)
• Yoav LEVY, Teacher of biblical studies and specialised in Hebrew texts
• Alain MICHEL, Co-founder & President of ÉquiLibre, Founder of Hommes de Parole
• Claire REGGIO, Teacher & Trainer, Aix-Marseille University & Domuni Universitas
• DR. PETER SHAMBROOK, Independant Scholar, Author & Historical Consultant at the Balfour Project
• Rafaël TYSZBLAT, Mediator & Trainer in Interfaith and Inter-identity Dialogue
• Richard WERLY, Journalist (tbc)

Tea Break

THEMATIC TRACK 1 

With:

Dr Drissa KANAMBAYE (Mali), Political Advisor European Parliament

THEMATIC TRACK 2 

THEMATIC TRACK 3

I. Pioneering Minority Right : The Bonn-Copenhagen Declarations

A presentation & conversation with:

• Christoph SPRENG (Switzerland), IofC International’s representative to the Council of Europe 

________________________________________________________________________

Common Cause Group: Conflicts in the Middle East - Perspectives from France

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.

With: 

• Radjaa ABU DAGGE, Geostrategic Advisor
• Bertrand BADIE (pre-recorded speech), Political Scientist & Expert in International Relations
• Ghaleb BENCHEIKH, Islamologist & President of the Foundation of Islam in France
• Hervé Élie BOKOBZA, Theologian & Writer
• Janine ELKOUBY, Professor of classical literature and former vice-president of the Jewish Consistory of the Bas-Rhin
• Brahim HAMMOUCHE, Head of the Psychiatry Department, Metz-Thionville Hospital
• Pierre HASKI, Journalist (pre-recorded speech)
• Yoav LEVY, Teacher of biblical studies and specialised in Hebrew texts
• Alain MICHEL, Co-founder & President of ÉquiLibre, Founder of Hommes de Parole
• Claire REGGIO, Teacher & Trainer, Aix-Marseille University & Domuni Universitas
• DR. PETER SHAMBROOK, Independant Scholar, Author & Historical Consultant at the Balfour Project
• Rafaël TYSZBLAT, Mediator & Trainer in Interfaith and Inter-identity Dialogue
• Richard WERLY, Journalist (tbc)

Evening Meal

Caux's got Talent!

MC:

Mohamed GABRIS (Lebanon), Creative Leadership

Songs for Peace, Unity & Reconciliation Songs (Taizé Songs)

With:

• Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach

Greeting the Day Ceremony

With: 

• Lewis CARDINAL (Canada), Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue

A Moment of Quiet Reflection

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.

Breakfast

Personal Stories & Conversations: Hope

With:

• Peter RUNDELL, Initiatives of Change International
• Participants from the Creative Leadership programme "Reimagining Democracy(ies)"
• Teenagers from the Caux Young Changemakers Programme
• Initiatives of Change France
• Armenian-Turkish-Kurdish Dialogue 
• Caux Round Table Japan 

Moderator:

Viviane STRAUB (Germany/UK), Creative Leadership

Tea & Coffee Break

Closing Ceremony & Open Mic

Lunch

Departures