The 1st of March is a significant date for the Marshall Islands, as it marks the anniversary of the Castle Bravo nuclear test conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll in 1954. This was the most powerful nuclear bomb ever tested by the U.S., with an explosion 1,000 times stronger than the Hiroshima bomb, causing displacement, radiation-related illnesses, and environmental devastation.

Each year, the Marshall Islands observe Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day on 1 March, honouring those affected by the nuclear testing programme that took place between 1946 and 1958 (download the flyer).

On 28 February 2025, the Permanent Mission of the Marshall Islands in Geneva, the World Council of Churches, and the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation organised a special commemoration at Maison de la Paix (DCAF) in Geneva. The solemn gathering brought together ambassadors, other Permanent Mission representatives, UN agencies and NGOs of International Geneva for a powerful moment of reflection and commitment, to honour survivors and call for justice, recognition, and disarmament.

We were honoured to welcome the Honourable Kalani Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who emphasised the need for collective action: “True justice has to be a collective effort. I call on the UN and all Permanent Missions to assist the Marshallese in the pursuit of nuclear justice.”

Peter Prove, Director of the CCIA at the World Council of Churches, praised the leadership of the Marshall Islands government in healing past wounds through accountability and justice.

Ambassador Doreen Debrum of the Permanent Mission of the Marshall Islands in Geneva highlighted the crucial role of youth, welcoming collaboration and celebrating a traditional Pacific dance performed by ten children and young people.

True justice has to be a collective effort.

Hon. Kalani Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Republic of the Marshall Islands

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As Ignacio Packer, Executive Director of Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, reminded us in his welcoming words:
“Today, as we honour the victims and survivors of the nuclear weapons tests conducted in the Marshall Islands, we are reminded of the devastating consequences when trust is broken, when power overshadows responsibility, and when collaboration fails. The theme of this year’s remembrance, Ain Bartak Ju Ae Maroñroñ—unite and work collaboratively— is not just a call for today but a guiding principle for how we must move forward: by creating inclusive and safe spaces where people from all walks of life can come together, share their experience, learn from each other and work collaboratively on sustainable solutions for the future. May this commemoration not only serve as a tribute to those who have suffered but also as an urgent call to action. Let us redouble our efforts to build a world where trust prevails over division, where dialogue leads to understanding, and where peace is not just an aspiration but a reality."

Let us redouble our efforts to build a world where trust prevails over division, where dialogue leads to understanding, and where peace is not just an aspiration but a reality.

Ignacio Packer, Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change

"Unite and work collaboratively" - The conversation continues

In the currenct global context, it is more crucial than ever to keep the conversations for peace, collaboration and dialogue going.

The Caux Forum 2025 at the Caux Palace, Switzerland, offers a safe space of trust, care, solidarity and respect and encourages each of us to reflect on our roles, explore our resources, and connect with our responsibilities as changemakers.

Join us this summer at the Caux Forum and let's collaboratively address the burning issues of our time to find innovative, creative and sustainable answers!

• Caux Democracy Forum: 8 - 12 July 2025  - #CauxDemocracy
• Caux Inner Development Goals Forum: 28 July - 1 August 2025 - #CauxIDG

We can all make a difference! Let's be united for change!

REGISTER NOW and stay tuned by signing up for our newsletter!

"It's time to speak up and stand up for democracy! This is the future we are talking about, and we have to let young people have their say and give them a platform!", explained Heinrich Pick, board member of IofC Germany and Co-Executive Director of Elfgenpick.

"In a time where discussions become heated and different opinions seem more and more irreconcilable, it is crucial to create spaces where we can exchange ideas and perspectives. Without headline rhetoric, but with respect, openness and a willingness to listen. This is the main reason why we decided to organise a dialogue on democracy in Germany, just two days prior to the German federal elections".

In the presence of a local TV channel, 65 people joined the event on 21 February 2025 in Augsburg, Germany, to listen to panelists from politics, academia and civil society and local artists on the theme "Are we out of our minds?" and to discuss what is needed to strengthen democracy in current times.

The event was a direct result of last summer's Caux Democracy Forum and organised by Elfgenpick in collaboration with Initiatives of Change Germany, as a contribution to the initiative "1000 Spaces for Democracy" by the German Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung).

Watch the livestream

Caux Forum 2025: Let's talk about democracy

It is essential to keep the conversation on democracy going. Therefore join us next July for the second edition of the Caux Democracy Forum!

The Caux Democracy Forum, taking place at the Caux Palace, Switzerland, from 8 to 12 July, 2025, comes at a critical juncture for global democracy. It creates a unique platform, bringing together voices from civil society, youth, grassroots movements, governments, academia, corporations and non-traditional sectors to delve deeper into the values essential to strengthen democracy in a rapidly evolving world!

Sign up here and secure your seat at the Caux Democracy Forum!  Let's talk about democracy!

Nestled in the mountains above Lake Geneva, the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation and its emblematic centre for peace and reconciliation, the Caux Palace, continue to pursue their mission of dialogue and exchange while also making the centre more accessible to the local community. Ignacio Packer, Executive Director of the Foundation, shared insights into the vision and future of this unique place in an interview with journalist Cyril Zoller on Radio Chablais.

A site steeped in history and looking to the future

The Caux Palace, inaugurated in 1902 as a luxury hotel of the Belle Époque, has borne witness to history, serving as a sanctuary for refugees and prisoners of war during the 1940s. Since 1946, thanks to a group of Swiss citizens who bought the palace, it has served as a space dedicated to dialogue, reconciliation and peace, in particular for the Initiatives of Change network. Today it continues to welcome participants from around the world to engage in dialogue on critical issues including the revitalisation of democratic values and Inner Development Goals, which will be central themes in the Caux Forum this July.

Strengthening connections with the region is a key focus for the Caux Foundation. ‘This place belongs to us all, and we want it to be a space where everyone can have a unique experience,’ explains Ignacio Packer..

A rich programme accessible to all

In its efforts to foster greater local engagement, the Caux Foundation is running the Caux Encounters event, scheduled for 15 March 2025 - a day dedicated to inspiration, creativity and connection. On the programme: inspiring conversations and encounters, mysterious and mesmerizing performances by the Cie Zappar, a shared meal and moments that bring us together, a dynamic concert with pianist Xavier Silva Ferreira, a thought-provoking exhibition by Syrian visual artist Dilawer Dildar, and to round off the evening, a little touch of humour and caustic surprise.

‘We want to break down barriers, build bridges between cultures and offer new opportunities for sharing,’ Ignacio emphasises. The event on 15 March is free and open to everyone. You can register here!

Art also plays an essential role in this vision, with the Caux Palace hosting cultural and artistic events throughout the year in partnership with the Saison Culturelle de Montreux, Septembre Musical and other regional partners. ‘Art is a powerful tool for connection and creative expression ,’ says Ignacio Packer.

Additionally, the Caux Palace's exceptional spaces are also available for private occasions, offering local residents the opportunity to experience this exceptional setting.

A commitment to local and global collaboration

With the support of the municipality of Montreux and in close collaboration with the Montreux Tourist Office, the Caux Palace continues to develop its offers. Collaborations with local associations, such as EVAM and the PAIRES association, reflect our commitment to inclusion and intercultural dialogue.

Beyond its role as a meeting place, the Caux Palace is also partially leased to a prestigious hotel school of the Swiss Education Group, fostering synergies between students, visitors and the wider community.

Listen to the podcast with Ignacio Packer (in French):

• Part 1
• Part 2

Welcome to the Caux Palace: a call for local initiatives

Caux is more than a historic landmark—it is a living, breathing space where ideas take shape, relationships are forged, and new initiatives find a home. Whether through dialogue, artistic expression, or community engagement, the Caux Palace invites all to take part in shaping its future.

Interested? Find more information on:

• our hospitality offers
• our guided tours of the Caux Palace
• our initiatives and our upcoming events
• our training and facilitation offers
• or subscribe to our newsletter

SEE YOU SOON AT THE CAUX PALACE!

A Brave New World? What do the concepts of stability, community and decay mean in our lives and in an ever-shifting world? This January, Sarah Noble, Head of Global Engagement at Caux Initiatives of Change, joined the inspiring Emergent Future conference at Asia Plateau, the IofC centre in India.

In a world where the stirrings of something new can be felt on all levels of society, the event brought together global changemakers from diverse backgrounds, exploring the delicate balance between community, stability, and the challenges ahead and providing a space to pause, reflect, and reimagine—both individually and collectively.

In one of the sessions, Sarah shared one of her favourite quotes from The Honorable Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada, who said that "innovation isn't always about creating new things or new ways of doing. Rather it sometimes involves looking back at our old ways and bringing them forward to this new situation."

The conference in India might be over but the conversation on new and emergent ways to sustainable change continues! Join us this summer at the Caux Forum with two inspiring events at the Caux Palace in Caux, Switzerland:

• Caux Democracy Forum: 8 - 12 July - #CauxDemocracy
• Caux Inner Development Goals Forum: 28 July - 1 August - #CauxIDG

Early-bird registrations to join global changemakers from around the globe are still possible until 20 February 2025!  

REGISTER HERE FOR THE CAUX FORUM

Photos: Wangyal Damko

On 3 February 2025, the Montreux- Veytaux Library, in collaboration with the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation and the Montreux Archives, hosted a captivating event that gave a wonderful insight into the glamorous world of Swiss palace hotels at the turn of the 20th century. 

The evening, attended by over 200 people, featured a screening of the RTS series "Winter Palace" including scenes filmed at the Caux Palace, and an episode of the documentary series "The Historians," followed by an engaging round table discussion moderated by Anne-Catherine Sutermeister, Head of Swiss Engagement at Caux Initiatives of Change, with Thierry Romanens, actor in the series, Marion Schramm and Evelyne Lüthi-Graf. 

Marion Schramm, the chief set designer of the series, explained how "Winter Palace", which was filmed in collaboration with Netflix, is deeply rooted in historical fact. Working with Evelyne Lüthi-Graf, the historical advisor for the series, Schramm meticulously researched archives, including those of the Caux Palace, to authentically recreate the era's ambiance. The production faced unique challenges, including filming across multiple locations and maintaining consistency in set design and performances over extended periods.

"Hotels are theatres," remarked Evelyne Lüthi-Graf, highlighting how these grand establishments allowed guests to shed their Victorian constraints. The series vividly portrays the intense pressure on staff, the extravagant behavior of the clientele, and the opulent dining experiences of the time, filmed in the Caux Palace Grand Hall.

Thierry Romanens, actor in the series, shared with the audience the magic of filming this series across the different locations. Romanens' role depicted the reality of a local villager forced to adapt to the sophisticated expectations of palace hotel guests.

The event offered a fascinating peek into Switzerland's rich hospitality heritage, blending historical insight with modern television drama. As for the future of "Winter Palace," a potential second season depends on its Netflix performance following its 13 Februar release. 

Interested in learning more about the Montreux palaces during the Belle Epoque? Explore historical artifacts on display from 1 Feb - 1 March at the Montreux-Veytaux Public Library.

You would like to see where some of the "Winter Palace" scenes were filmed? Discover the Caux Palace and sign up for a guided tour.

The start of a new year offers a valuable moment to refocus on what truly matters, what drives and inspires our work, and to explore how we can more effectively fulfill our mission as an organization and global network. From 9 to 18 January 2025, 130 members of the global Initiatives of Change (IofC) network from 35 countries gathered at the IofC centre Asia Plateau in India, to reflect on these questions and envision the road ahead.

Asia Plateau, 250 km south of Mumbai in the hills of Panchgani and far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offered the perfect location to come together, slow down, take time to reflect and to (re)connect with changemakers from all walks of life.

The vibrant gathering showcased the diversity of the activities, initiatives, and programmes driven by Initiatives of Change worldwide. These included youth educational programmes in Nepal and Nagaland, inspirational online meetings led by young people from Costa Rica and the U.S., trustbuilding efforts across continents, the peace circles of Creators of Peace, and the grassroots work of the Grampari initiative in India, among others.

"Strengthening the foundations of society"

Gerald Pillay (UK), President of Initiatives of Change International, set the tone with his powerful keynote address on 10 January. "What does it mean to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of today's society?" he asked, calling the audience to rediscover the purpose they stand for. He also emphasized the value of reflection and silence, one of the key elements of IofC’s methodology: "Listen to your inner voice. It's fundamental to quiet the crowded noise around us."

"Impacting by example and experience"

Jean Brown (Australia) of Creators of Peace and winner of the 2023 Trustbuilding Program Livetime Achiever Award, highlighted three key ingredients to reinforce societal foundations: social cohesion, a renewed sense of shared humanity, and an eco-centred (as opposed to ego-centred) approach to living. "The strength of every society relies on its relationships," she observed, pointing out that the root of the word 'society' comes from the Latin word 'companionship'.

She then went on: "We live with unhealed fractures among us, diminishing our best efforts. As we start [change] with ourselves, we can impact by example and experience. Every act of honesty, compassion, restitution, forgiveness and unselfishness strengthens society. Recognizing, ‘I, too, was wrong,’ is a vital step. The history of Initiatives of Change is made up of stories of individuals making those choices. In our current world context of degradation, destruction and despair, we can stand for living otherwise - I call it the ‘Change starts with me’ alternative."

"Ordinary people have the key to change"

In a touching speech, Indian historian, journalist, former MP and grand-son of Mahatma Gandhi, Rajmohan Gandhi, reflected on the transformative power that lies in each of us. "It’s the ordinary people of the world that have the key to change," he affirmed. He also stressed the importance and need for dialogue in an increasingly polarised world: "Conversations and exchanges between opposing viewpoints are essential for a resilient society. There are places where such dialogues are unthinkable, but they remain crucial."

"Outward-looking and fostering meaningful connections"

Jacqueline Coté, President of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, urged for greater cross-national collaboration and shared insights into the Foundation's work in Switzerland. "To thrive as a movement, we must reach out to others. The Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation is outward-looking and committed to fostering meaningful connections and partnerships. One example is the Caux Forum, our flagship event taking place in July this summer, which will be organised with diverse partner organisations, including the Inner Development Goals Foundation, the OHCHR,  Initiatives of Change International, and others."

Former IofC USA Director Dick Ruffin encapsulated the essence of the gathering: "The question is: How do we build bridges between people? That is the centre of our work."

The global movement of Initiatives of Change is committed to building trust across the world’s divides. This summer's Caux Forum 2025, offers a unique opportunity to bring people together to find inspiration, develop skills to foster peace and trust, and connect with like-minded changemakers from around the world.

The forum’s two main events focus on inner development and the values essential for strengthening democracy in Europe and beyond:

• 8 – 12 July: Caux Democracy Forum
• 28 July – 1 August: Caux Inner Development Goals Forum

Be part of the conversation! Stay tuned for more and join us this summer in Caux!

By Ulrike Ott Chanu

The Coalition for Responsible Multinationals has launched a new popular initiative, highlighting the urgent need for action. Switzerland risks becoming the only country in Europe without effective legislation on the responsibility of multinationals. The initiative calls for binding rules to oblige Swiss multinationals to respect human rights and environmental standards.

A member of the Coalition since its creation, the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation is mobilising to help reach the target of 100,000 signatures in just 30 days.

"The initiative for Responsible Multinationals is not just a question of economic ethics, but an extension of the fundamental principles of democracy. It gives citizens the power to act, protects fundamental rights and promotes justice and transparency at all levels. Democracy does not stop at national borders." - states Ignacio Packer, Executive Director of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation.

Take action now with the Coalition

• You can sign the initiative here!
• Share the link to sign online with your friends and family today!

United, we are defending the fundamental values of democracy by sending a strong message to Bern: multinationals must be held accountable for their actions, whether they are polluting our rivers or destroying entire regions. Responsibility and justice are not mere principles, but essential requirements to guarantee our common future.

This approach is fully in keeping with the spirit of the Caux Democracy Programme, which works to revitalise democracy and strengthen citizen participation.

Major events such as the Caux Democracy Forum from 8 to 12 July 2025 and the Geneva Democracy Dialogues are crucial moments for exchange, reflection and action, individually and together, in favour of a fairer and more accountable democratic model.

The petition can be signed by Swiss nationals over the age of 18 and with Swiss Residency. 

SIGN THE CAMPAIGN