SMEs: Stay competitive, stay human - Social justice as a factor in resilience for SMEs

ABOUT THE EVENT

Leading stronger – Staying competitive – Keeping people at the centre

On the occasion of World Social Justice Day (20 February), this event at the Caux Palace is aimed at SME leaders in the Leman region who wish to connect major global issues with the concrete realities of leadership and business management.

Pressure on talent, difficult decisions, the acceleration of AI: employee expectations are changing, technology is transforming organisations and trust is becoming a key issue. In this context, SMEs that develop people-centred leadership are better positioned to adapt, retain talent and ensure sustainable performance.

This meeting offers a practical conversation, free of jargon and imposed conformity, to explore how the principles of social justice can become a real lever for resilience, trust and long-term performance. It is neither a conference nor a briefing, but a concrete exchange between SME leaders.

Date: 13 February 2026 (16:00 -  19:00 p.m.)  I  Location: Caux Palace, 1824 Caux  I  Admission: free  I  Language spoken: French

Download the brochure (in French)

WHY COME TO CAUX?

We offer decision-makers a timeless space to:

• Transform global issues (social justice, AI) into pragmatic management solutions.
• Break the solitude of the executive by engaging in concrete exchanges with your peers from the Leman region.
• Take a step back in a unique and inspiring setting, far from the hustle and bustle of daily operations, to regain clarity.

Legitimacy built on dialogue since 1946

For nearly 80 years, Caux has been a major meeting point for business ethics. From the ‘Principles for Business’ (launched in 1994 by the Caux Round Table) to recent programmes on Ethical Leadership, we support those who see people as the key to sustainable performance. Today, this commitment is reflected in the ‘People-Centred Economy’ focus area of the Caux Democracy Programme (2024-2027), which places decision-makers at the heart of the transition to a more resilient model.

Come and explore how to make social justice a driver of performance for your business.

People don't leave companies, they leave leadership cultures. Social justice is not a policy; it is the way decisions are made under pressure. In a world shaped by AI, resilience will belong to leaders who can combine ethics, discernment and human understanding.

Ignacio Packer, Executive Director, Caux Initiatives and Change Foundation

PROGRAMME

16:00 - 17:15:

A fascinating conversation on the theme of ‘Human-centred leadership as a source of business resilience’ with concrete examples of decision-making under pressure and leadership in the age of artificial intelligence.

17:15 - 17:45

Informal networking & refreshments

17:45 - 19:00

Guided tour of the Caux Palace

THE VENUE: THE CAUX PALACE

The event will take place at the Caux Palace, our centre dedicated to dialogue and peacebuilding near Montreux. A former Grand Hotel from the Belle Époque, the Caux Palace overlooks the Leman and the Swiss Alps, at an altitude of 1,000 metres. Its peaceful setting and rich heritage offer a unique and inspiring space conducive to reflection, exchange and collective exploration, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For more information on how to find us, please see the useful information at the bottom of the page.

Discover the rich history of this iconic location.

 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

DR ELEFTHERIA EGEL, CEO & Founder of Navigating Transformation, Co-Founder of EOS Academy

Dr Eleftheria Egel is a renowned expert, multilingual advisor to boards of directors, start-up strategist and social entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of education, innovation and sustainability. She began her entrepreneurial journey in Greece by founding a language school that became a social mission, bringing education to isolated communities. After completing an MBA and gaining experience in corporate finance, she earned a doctorate in spiritual leadership, focusing on a values-driven approach to business. Today, she advises impact organisations and supports women entrepreneurs in creating projects aligned with their values, building confidence, resilience and sustainable impact. Dr Egel is also the editor of ‘Inner Development Goals – Stories of Collective Leadership in Action’.

WITH

• Ignacio PACKER – Executive Director, Caux Initiatives and Change Foundation
• PROMOVE (tbc)
• Christoph KONINCKX – Co-Founder of Chemin 28
• Sarah NOBLE – Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initiatives and Change Foundation

NEXT STEPS

This session is a gateway and preparatory step towards the residential event at the Caux Palace from 28 to 30 October 2026: Leading with Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (IofC)

HOW TO REGISTER BY 13 FEBRUARY?

Participation in this event is free of charge. Please confirm your participation before 11 February 2026 by registering (click the link).

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to send us an EMAIL.

______________________________________________________________________________________

ORGANISERS

Organised by the Caux Initiatives and Change Foundation, in association with the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

The Caux Initiatives and Change Foundation is a private Swiss charitable foundation, owner of the Caux Palace, a centre for dialogue and peacebuilding located in Caux, above Montreux. Its mission is to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organisations from around the world so that they can engage effectively and innovatively in promoting trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security.

The Global Coalition for Social Justice is an international platform that aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting multilateral cooperation and partnerships. It mobilises political commitments, investments and concrete actions to promote social justice and decent work, while taking into account national priorities. In the face of growing inequalities, poverty, youth unemployment and informal work, the Coalition acts to strengthen advocacy, coordinate policies and generate knowledge, mobilising resources and partnerships to address the most pressing social and economic challenges.

______________________________________________________________________________________

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY - ACCESS

Although we have plenty of parking spaces, we strongly recommend that you take the historic train from Montreux.

Here are the train connections:

• Departure for Caux: 15:34 from Montreux (platform 8), towards Rochers-de-Naye, stop: Caux
• Return train from Caux to Montreux: 18:57 from Caux station, towards Montreux

Access by car:

A little tip for your journey by car from Lausanne or Vevey: set your GPS for the route via Clarens or Montreux Gare. The ‘Les Avants’ option is a mountain road that is longer and more winding and should be avoided.