Caux Democracy Forum 2025 - Opening Ceremony

programme

Tuesday, 08 July

14:30 - 15:45
Theatre
Opening Ceremony

MODERATION & INTRODUCTION: Exploring the Caux Forum 2025 - Methods and Mindset

  • Ignacio PACKER (UK/Spain/Switzerland), Executive Director Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

 

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

  •  Jean-Marc VIGNOLI (France), violinist

 

WELCOME WORDS

  • Jacqueline COTÉ (Canada/Switzerland), President Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

 

REIMAGINING DEMOCRACY(IES) - Youth Perspectives

  • Hajar BICHRI (Morocco), Creative Leadership, from our parallel youth democracy programme "Reimagining Democracy(ies), introducing a short film presenting their fresh perspectives and hope.

 

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

 

ADDRESS by Council of Europe Representative 

  • Ambassador Francesca Camilleri VETTIGER (Malta), Chair of the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies, Malta's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe 

 

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

 

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

  • Philippe LAZZARINI (Switzerland), UNRWA Commissioner-General

 

A TIME TO REFLECT

  • Joseph DEISS (Switzerland), Swiss Economist and Politician, former President of the Swiss Confederation and former President of the United Nations General Assembly

 

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

 

EXPLORING PERSONAL CHANGE & WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE CAUX FORUM 2025

  • Ignacio PACKER, Executive Director Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

 

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

 

15:45 - 16:15
Dining Room (2nd floor)
Refreshments

16:15 - 17:45
Parallel Sessions: Integrity - Trust - Courage

Participants choose one of the three sessions at the front desk when arriving at the Caux Palace (colour cards)

 

SESSION 1: REVITALIZING DEMOCRACY - INTEGRITY

Help us explore together the role of integrity as a democratic value. Bring your experience to the table and share your stories as we un pack the complex and timely question regarding the importance of integrity in revitalising democracy.

WHERE: Caux Palace Theatre (4th floor)

WITH:

  • Ambassador Christian GUILLERMET-FERNÁNDEZ (Costa Rica), Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva
  • Corinne MOMAL-VANIAN (France), Executive Director, Kofi Annan Foundation
  • Dilara BAYARAK (Switzerland), Lawyer & Member of Grand Council of Geneva, Switzerland
  • Shukria BARAKZAI (Afghanistan), Politician, Journalist & Women’s Rights Advocate
  • Elder Alvin MANITOPYES (Canada), Co-Founder Awotaan Native Women’s Shelter and the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School

 

CO-MODERATION:

  • Sarah NOBLE (Canada/Switzerland), Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initiatives of Change
  • Jonas TRUNEH (UK), Creative Leadership & Project Development Officer at Triangle

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

 

SESSION 2: REVITALIZING DEMOCRACY - TRUST

We would love to hear from you! Join the conversation and explore with us the pathways towards (re)building trust to strengthen and revitalise democracy.

WHERE: Main Hall (4th floor)

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
  • 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 

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

 

SESSION 3: REVITALIZING DEMOCRACY - COURAGE

Share your insights and experiences as we explore what it means to live thoughtfully, responsibly and courageously in a fast-changing world.

WHERE: The Galleries (4th floor wing next to entrance hall)

WITH:

  • Godfrey MWAMPEMBWA aka GADO (Kenya), Graphic journalist, Cartoonist, Animator & TV Producer
  • Konstantine GAGNIDZE (Georgia), Founder & President of JEF Georgia
  • Hamza GHANDOUR (Lebanon), Life Coach and Peacebuilder, youth from Lebanon
  • Bahistha NOHTANI (Afghanistan), Dentist, Women's Rights Activist & Co-Founder of Afghanistan Women's Rights Association (AWRA)
  • Shahida TULAGANOVA (Uzbekistan), Producer & Director

 

CO-MODERATION:

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

 

17:45 - 19:00
Terrace (2nd floor)
Reception / Caux Peace Park Inauguration / Vernissages

17:45: Opening Reception

 

__________________________________________________

 

18:00 - 18:10: Caux Peace Park Inauguration

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

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

 

__________________________________________________

 

18:30: Vernissages & Invitation to visit the three Caux Palace Expos

EXPO 1: "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.

Where: Caux Palace Esplanade (gardens)

 

__________________________________________________

 

EXPO 2: "Democracy? What democracy?!"

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

Where: The Galleries (4th floor wing next to entrance hall)

 

__________________________________________________

 

EXPO 3: "Nuclear Cries Through Innocent Eyes"

A powerful art exhibit that brings to life the emotional and generational impact of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands—seen and expressed through the eyes of young Pacific Islanders. A a collaboration between the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, and the Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI).

More about our exhibition and their artists

Where: The Galleries (4th floor wing next to entrance hall)

 

 

19:00 - 20:00
Dining Room
Buffet Dinner

20:30 - 22:00
Theatre
Concert: Licia Chery & Raoul Baumann

With:

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

Organised with the support of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation. More about the artists.

  • Followed by refreshments in the Main Hall 

22:00 - 22:30
Chapel
Songs for Peace, Unity & Reconciliation Songs (Taizé Songs)

With:

Tsvetana PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach

 

Caux Inner Development Goals Forum 2025: Call for Workshops

Applications are now closed!

31/03/2025
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Applications are now closed!

 

Navigating our New World: Inner Development for Global Action

 

The 2025 edition of the Caux Inner Development Goals Forum (Caux IDG) focuses on integrating inner development with global impact, ensuring that the mind, heart, and will are open and engaged in harmony to foster both inner and outer peace. 

We invite you to create transformative workshops during the Caux IDG Forum, where our objective is to embark on a deep, experiential journey guided by the Theory U framework.

We are seeking interactive, engaging, and experiential workshops for:

  • DAY 3: Presencing & Inspiration – Cultivating self-awareness and aligning purpose with action
  • DAY 4:  Co-Creating -  Prototyping & Designing Solutions

each of which follows a distinct stage of the Theory U journey.

Please note that applications are now closed!

 

 

Understanding Theory U & its role in the Caux IDG Forum

What is Theory U?

Theory U, developed by Otto Scharmer at MIT’s Presencing Institute, is a framework for leading profound systemic change by shifting from habitual, reactive thinking to a more conscious, connected, and co-creative approach. 

It describes a U-shaped journey that helps individuals and groups move from seeing problems through old lenses to co-creating innovative, sustainable solutions. 

 

Caux IDG 2025 Theory U banner.png

 

The five key stages of Theory U mirror an inner and outer transformation process, guiding us to: 

  • Observe deeply without judgment (Co-Sensing) 
  • Connect with our inner knowing and emerging future (Presencing) 
  • Prototype and co-create innovative solutions (Co-Creating & Co-Evolving) 

 

Why is Theory U Important for the Caux IDG Forum 2025?

The Inner Development Goals (IDGs) and the philosophy of Caux Initiatives of Change emphasize the importance of cultivating inner capacities—such as self-awareness, compassion, and collaboration—as the foundation for meaningful global change. However, true transformation goes beyond intellectual learning; it requires deep experiential engagement. 

Theory U, as a transformational development framework, guides this shift from inner awareness to outward action. It provides a structured process for participants to convene, observe, reflect, crystallize insights, and prototype solutions for both personal and global challenges. 

 

Workshop Group

 

Workshop Guidelines

Day 3: Presencing – Connecting to Inner Wisdom & Purpose

Intention:

  • Creating stillness, self-reflection, and inner clarity to discuss pressing global challenges and to uncover new possibilities.

What we are looking for:

  • Activities that encourage letting go of limiting beliefs and creating space for new insights. 
  • Deep dialogue circles where participants can explore emerging questions, feelings, and intuitive knowledge. 

 

Day 4: Co-Creating – Prototyping & Designing Solutions

Intention:

  • Moving from insight to action—designing tangible solutions through collaboration and experimentation. 

What we are looking for:

  • Workshops that encourage co-creation and rapid prototyping of ideas that address global challenges or systems change.
  • Sessions that introduce solution-focused dialogues or support system-focused dialogue.

It’s important to highlight that, on Day 4, participants will have the option to attend the Pro-Action Café, where they can self-organize around key topics emerging from Day 1 and begin designing real-world experiments, or engage in workshop sessions.

The choice of which session to participate in will be at the discretion of the participants. Our goal is to make the forum as inclusive and experiential as possible.

 

Workshop Group

 

Workshop Format & Submission Guidelines

  • Workshop Duration: 90 minutes
  • Formats Encouraged: Interactive, participatory, and experiential (NO long lectures!) 

 

How to apply?

  1. Fill out the application form by 15 May 2025.
  2. Please ensure all documents are complete before submission.

 

If you have questions or need guidance on shaping your workshop, feel free to reach out by EMAIL.

Thank you for being part of this transformative journey. Together, we are building the inner capacities needed for global change.

We look forward to your innovative workshop proposals!

 

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

 

Caux Palace drone Adrien Giovannelli banner
The Caux Palace, venue of the Caux Inner Development Goals Forum 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Caux and the Bonn-Copenhagen Declarations: Pioneering Minority Rights and Embracing Unity in Diversity

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Co-produced by Christoph Spreng and Ulrike Ott Chanu

 

On 29 March 2025, Bonn-Copenhagen Declarations of 1955 mark their 70th anniversary—a milestone with lessons that extend far beyond Denmark and Germany. History has shown that minorities often bear the brunt of conflict, repeatedly treated as outsiders or expendable pawns in power struggles. The Declarations acknowledge this injustice and emphasize the need for societies to confront their own role in discrimination and division—an essential step in peacebuilding and sustaining democracy. At a time when democratic values are under increasing strain worldwide, the principles behind these declarations serve as a powerful reminder that peace requires both justice and self-reflection. 

Christoph Spreng, advisor to the Standing Committee CINGO and co-organiser of the Caux Democracy Forum, reflects on the significance of the Declarations.

 

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At the recent World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, a young student from Georgia surprised me because he knew right away what I was talking about when I mentioned the Bonn-Copenhagen Declarations of 1955 which will be celebrating their 70th anniversary on 29 March this year.

In the aftermath of World War II, tensions between Germany and Denmark remained high, particularly in the border region of Schleswig-Holstein and Southern Jutland, home to both Danish and German minorities.

In this context, the Caux Palace in Switzerland, through the international conferences organised by Initiatives of Change (formerly Moral Re-Armament), became a vital space for dialogue. Between 1946 and 1950, it hosted 888 Danish and 3,113 German visitors, including key figures seeking to rebuild trust and cooperation across national and cultural divides.

 

Minority Map Europe (source reddit)
Minorities, native peoples and ethnic groups in Europe (source: reddit, credit: Michel Bolloré-Pellé)

 

The encounters at the Caux Palace were more than just a meeting place—they were a catalyst for action. Personal initiatives emerged, such as Danish educators moving south across the border to work in Flensburg to support the recovery through education.

Another striking example was Urte Hvidt, a Dane of German origin, who faced hostility as a child due to her background. Her family’s journey of healing, supported by Initiatives of Change, led them to establish a house near the border as a meeting place, demonstrating how individual efforts contributed to a broader transformation in attitudes.

The encounters at the Caux Palace were more than just a meeting place—they were a catalyst for action.

Beyond grassroots initiatives, the conversations at the Caux Palace also influenced high-level diplomacy. Informal meetings in Copenhagen and Hamburg, facilitated by Initiatives of Change members, played a crucial role in concluding the Bonn-Copenhagen Declarations.

Ole Björn Kraft in Caux 1953
Ole Bjôrn Kraft
Heinrich Hellwege Caux 1950
Heinrich Hellwege

Danish leader Ole Björn Kraft and German cabinet member Heinrich Hellwege, both attendees of Caux conferences, explored the resolution to their respective minority issues. This led to the idea of independent but simultaneous Declarations rather than an international treaty. This vision quickly gained support, culminating in the signing of the Bonn-Copenhagen Declarations by Danish Prime Minister H.C. Hansen and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer on 29 March, 1955.

Seventy years later, the Bonn-Copenhagen model remains a testament to the role of active listening and dialogue in establishing minority rights. As political polarisation and repression increase in many places, the Declarations of 1955 serve as a clue to upgrade the value of unity in diversity and serve as a reminder that reconciliation, rooted in trust and personal engagement, is key to democratic values and resilience.

Bonn-Copenhagen Declarations stamps (source: Wikipedia)
German stamps commemorating the 30th and 50th anniversary of the declarations. For both celebrations, similar stamps were issued in Denmark. (source: Wikipedia)

 

The upcoming Caux Democracy Forum (8–12 July 2025) offers an opportunity to reflect and gain lessons from the past. By focussing on the importance of democratic values and addressing challenges such as disinformation, polarisation, human rights, and declining public trust in institutions, this summer’s forum on democracy continues Caux’s tradition of fostering inclusive and cooperative solutions.

As Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, reminds us: “We are one humanity.”  This message is most likely also the dream of the young students from Georgia met at the World Democracy Forum.

Read more background information about the story of the Bonn-Copenhagen Declarations

As political polarisation and repression increase in many places, the Declarations of 1955 serve as a clue to upgrade the value of unity in diversity and serve as a reminder that reconciliation, rooted in trust and personal engagement, is key to democratic values and resilience.

 

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The Caux Democracy Forum (8–12 July 2025) in Caux, Switzerland, aims to inspire, equip, and connect individuals and organisations dedicated to strengthening democracy, human rights, and civic engagement globally.

Find out more and register now

 

 

 

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A Celebration of Diversity, Connection & Living Together at the Caux Palace

Caux Encounters - 15 March 2025

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What an extraordinary day at the Caux Palace! On Saturday, 15 March 2025 at the Caux Encounters event, the halls of this iconic venue came alive with music, meaningful encounters and laughter as 200 people from diverse backgrounds across the region came together to connect.

 

Rencontres à Caux banner
The women of Femmes du Monde at the Maison de Quartier Jaman-Montreux and beneficiaries of EVAM provided a wonderful meal for everyone.

 

For decades, the Caux Palace has been a safe space—a place where people from all walks of life come together to reflect, engage in dialogue and explore ways to live together in harmony and the event, organised to open the historic building to the local public, was a beautiful continuation of this tradition with:

💬 Inspiring conversations and workshops opening new perspectives on living together.
🎭 Compagnie Zappar’s enchanting performance filling the Caux Palace with wonder and delight, proving that creativity knows no boundaries.

 

Rencontres à Caux banner
Enchanting moments with "Peuple lumière" by Compagnie Zappar

 

🎹 16-year-old prodigy Xavier Silva Ferreira’s piano concert, organised with the support of Septembre Musical Montreux-Vevey, captivating the audience with his talent.

🎨 Syrian artist Dilawer Dildar’s exhibition "Suspended Horizons", curated by Andrea Wolfskämpf in collaboration with Private P'Arts and Anne-Catherine Sutermeister, Head of Community Engagement, Culture and Training in Switzerland at the Caux Foundation, telling stories of resilience and identity.

 

Rencontres à Caux banner
Exhibition "Suspended Horizons" by Dilawer Dildar

 

🍽️ A shared meal, organised in collaboration with the women of Femmes du Monde of the Maison de Quartier Jaman-Montreux, and beneficiaries of EVAM, as a powerful symbol of togetherness.

😂Renowned Swiss humorist Thomas Wiesel delivering a witty and insightful summary of the day, leaving everyone in stitches!

 

Rencontres à Caux banner
Pianist Xavier Silva Ferreira (left), humorist Thomas Wiesel (centre) and the musicians of Compagnie Zappar (right)

 

With the majority of participants visiting Caux for the first time, Executive Director Ignacio Packer warmly invited everyone to return and keep building this spirit of connection and community.

A heartfelt thank you to all who joined and helped make this event a success. Let’s keep this spirit alive—because when we come together, real change begins. 

 

 

Rencontres à Caux banner
Impressions from the three workshops on values, inner listening and how to find one's voice through music.

 

Photos: Maria Berezkina, Egzone Halitaj & others

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