Caux Arts and Peace Encounters 

 

The Caux Arts and Peace Encounters, to be held at the Caux Palace, Switzerland, from 12 - 14 May 2025, aims to inspire, connect, and equip individuals with the skills and qualities needed to foster peace through the power of art and dialogue.

The 2.5 day residential event is being designed to allow participants from around the world the time to gain some perspective, retreat from the bustling routine and find a space that allows for silent reflection, creative collaboration and the exchange of ideas and experiences.

Please note that registration is now closed!

 

Why Arts and Peace?

In a world where peace and cross-cultural understanding are increasingly challenged, creating spaces for dialogue, empathy, and connection has never been more urgent. Culture, the arts, and peacebuilding can come together to spark meaningful change—because culture and the arts help people navigate complex emotions, foster healing, bridge divides, and build understanding.

Peacebuilding pioneer John Paul Lederach emphasizes that lasting conflict resolution isn’t just about politics or technical fixes—it requires imagination, creativity, and a deeply human approach. And that’s where the arts can come in.

 

 

About the event

The Caux Arts and Peace Encounters 2025 invite artists, peacebuilders, changemakers, policymakers, and academics to connect and share the skills and qualities needed to foster peace through the power of arts and dialogue.

This event is not a typical “conference.” Our theory of change rests on the belief that:

•  IF we study and integrate the values and principles of peacebuilding and the arts, and through this process begin to understand their importance to each other in bringing about transformational change
• THEN we will act individually and collectively to reveal these values and principles of relationship, vision and imagination, creativity and empathy
• RESULTING in putting them into practice in ways to enhance human flourishing.

The 2.5 day residential programme focuses on creating meaningful connections, inner reflection, and collaborative action.

Download the flyer

 

 

Programme

The programme will include:

• Connection with self and nature through a greeting the day ceremony and inner reflection time
• Community connections: discussions in small community groups from across sectors as an opportunity for deeper connection and sharing
• Inspirational speakers who will share their personal and professional stories on arts and peace 
• Hands-on workshops, a masterclass on peacebuilding through the arts, and sessions on topics such as integrating creative approaches into peacebuilding for non-artists and using music for collective healing
• An exciting evening programme.  

 

The Caux Arts and Peace Encounters aim to create a lasting community of individuals and organisations working at the intersection of arts and peace. To maintain the momentum from this first event, we plan to host future online gatherings for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support. Additionally, we will produce resources, including a film that highlights key moments and insights from participants, to amplify the impact of the Encounters.

We are also exploring the development of a pledge that reflects the community's shared values and goals, and aligns with global initiatives like the 2025 UNESCO MONDIACULT, promoting culture and the arts as tools for peace, dialogue, and sustainable development.

This marks the first edition of what will become an annual event, forming part of a three-year Caux Arts and Peace Encounters programme. The Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation will also host a special event and an artist-in-residence, together with the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform during the Geneva Peace Week from 13-17 October 2025.

Discover the programme

 

 

Speakers & Artists

 

MICHEL ABOU KHALIL (Lebanon/Switzerland), Actor & Head of SWISS MADE CULTURE Association

Michel Abou Khalil graduated from the Lebanese University with a BA and MA in Drama, and went on to become a well-known actor in his country. He obtained a doctorate in French literature at the Arab University of Beirut and worked as a cultural attaché at the Swiss Embassy in Lebanon. He currently heads the SWISS MADE CULTURE association, which celebrates Swiss culture in dialogue with the world.

 

 

 

LEA BAROUDI, Certified Mediator, Founding Member & President of March Lebanon

Léa Baroudi is Founding Member and President of March Lebanon, a Lebanese non-profit, non-governmental organization working to promote social cohesion through peace-building and sectarian conflict resolution in Lebanon. Lea is a certified mediator, member of the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network, and a member of the Global Alliance of Regional Women Mediator Networks. She has experience in mediating sectarian conflicts, deradicalization programs, training on conflict resolution, as well as designing, planning and implementing holistic rehabilitation and reintegration programs that use education, culture, dialogue, women inclusion, civil military cooperation and economic development to resolve conflict and counter radicalization among youth participating in sectarian violence.She has also co-lead several in depth research papers and policy recommendations on fundamental security and human rights issues in Lebanon, such as political violence, radicalization and statelessness. In 2019 she was awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for services to peacebuilding and civic rights in Lebanon. In 2023 she was selected among the 10 finalists of the Global Pluralism Award. (photo: Home Magazine)

 

BENJAMIN BERGEY (USA), Educator, Conductor and Peacebuilder

Benjamin Bergey is assistant professor of music at EMU, where he directs the choirs and orchestra, and teaches courses on music and peacebuilding, music theory, and conducting. He is an active musician who currently serves as assistant conductor for the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival, and he also conducts the Rapidan Orchestra in Orange, VA. Dr. Bergey was named “40 Under 40” in Yamaha’s Music Educator Award, received the 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award at EMU, and won 2nd place in the American Prize for both Choral and Orchestral Conducting in the University division.
He completed his doctorate and masters at James Madison University in Orchestral Conducting. His doctoral research focused on how ensemble music can be a tool in peacebuilding by bringing diverse people together for building empathy and dialogue, using two groups in Israel and Palestine as examples. He then started and now advises a new major at EMU called Music and Peacebuilding. He regularly gives presentations and trainings on the use of music in peacebuilding.
Additionally, Benjamin Bergey is a prominent music leader in the Mennonite Church, having recently served as Director of Music at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church for six years, and notably as Music Editor for Voices Together, the hymnal for Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada, as well as compiler and editor for the hymnal's Accompaniment Edition. He regularly leads worship and resourcing events at assemblies, workshops, and conferences, and was the music planner for the 2022 Mennonite World Conference Assembly music and songbook.

 

KHATIA BUNIATISHVILI (Georgia), Pianist

Khatia Buniatishvili, born in Batumi, Georgia, on the summer solstice of 1987, is a pianist who places humanity at the heart of her art. Deeply shaped by her upbringing during a time of turmoil, she was inspired by her mother's creativity and resilience, and by music from an early age. A prodigious talent, Khatia gave her first concert at six and has since become a global force in classical music—passionate, uncompromising, and unbound by convention.

Through her remarkable artistic skill and emotional expression, Khatia Buniatishvili stands out as one of the most renowned classical pianists of recent years. From New York to Hong Kong, via London, Paris and Hamburg, she performs on the most prestigious international stages. Her willingness to embrace various music genres enables her to connect with a wide-ranging audience, transcending generations and extending far beyond the realm of classical music. Among her many highlights is her appearance on Coldplay's "Kaleidoscope" (2015). 

Her playing is as fiery as it is poetic, marked by emotional depth, daring interpretation, and a refusal to separate art from the values it embodies. A citizen of the world, she champions freedom, justice, and the transformative power of beauty. Whether interpreting Liszt, Mozart, or modern repertoire, Khatia seeks not boundaries, but unity—between genres, cultures, and human beings. (photo: Esther Haase, Sony Music)

 

LEWIS CARDINAL (Canada), Educator, Storyholder andLeader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue

Lewis Cardinal comes from the Woodland Cree people in northern Alberta, Canada. His long track record of public service includes founding Board Member of Alberta Aboriginal Arts, Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Commission for Human Rights and Justice, and Trustee of the Parliament of World Religions. He has received QE II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for Public Service, the IndSpire Award for Public Service, the Province of Alberta’s Centennial Medal for his work in Human Rights and Diversity, the Distinguished Alumni Award from Grant MacEwan University, and an Honorary Degree of “Doctor of Sacred Letters” from the University of Alberta.

 

NATASCHA CERNY EHTESHAM & MARTHA CERNY, One Arctic and Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art

Martha Cerny is a Canadian-Swiss curator, co-founder, and director of the Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art (MCCA) in Bern, Switzerland. Holding an MAS from Zurich University of the Arts, she has dedicated her career to amplifying Indigenous voices from the Arctic, providing a platform for artists and communities from the circumpolar regions. Since 1995, she has worked extensively with Inuit art, expanding her focus to other Arctic cultures in 1998. Over the past 15 years, her work has centered on addressing the complex cultural and environmental challenges faced by circumpolar communities—from the legacies of colonialism to the impacts of climate change. Through national and international exhibitions, events, and dialogues, she fosters understanding, knowledge exchange, and global awareness of Arctic issues, bridging the gap between the high North and the global public

Natascha Cerny Ehtesham has a background in civilian peacebuilding and human rights, with over a decade of experience in these fields. She currently works as the Assistant Director at the Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art in Bern, where she focuses on promoting Arctic Indigenous voices and implementing decolonization initiatives. Natascha has worked with organizations such as swisspeace, humanrights.ch as well as Library and Archives Canada, where she led projects aimed at preventing violent conflict and addressing its aftermath through collaborating with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, memory institutions, as well as multilateral organizations and governments, predominantly in Europe and the post-Soviet space. Natascha is committed to fostering dialogue and mutual understanding, drawing on lessons from the past to help build a better future. (more info: One Arctic)

 

DALIA ESTERER (Switzerland), Art Therapist & Dancer

Dalia Esterer is a dancer and art therapist specializing in art therapy, positive psychology, and coaching. She uses dance as a powerful form of expression and healing, exemplified by her performances advocating for peace and life, including a notable dance presented in front of the United Nations to support the lives of hostages and promote global peace. Her work integrates creative movement with therapeutic practices to give voice to emotions and experiences that are difficult to express verbally.

 

ALEXANDRE FASEL (Switzerland), Secretary of State, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Switzerland

Alexandre Fasel has taken up his position as State Secretary for Foreign Affairs on 1 September 2023. From June 2021 onwards he served as the Special Representative for Science Diplomacy of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. As Ambassador of Switzerland in the United Kingdom from autumn 2017, he contributed to the implementation
of the Swiss Government’s ‘Mind the Gap’ strategy on Brexit. During the course of his career he has engaged with the topics of European integration, the interface between foreign and domestic policy, foreign policy analysis and policy formulation as well as multilateral diplomacy, the latter as Head of the UN Division at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and as Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Office of the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva. (photo: FDFA)

 

REGULA GATTIKER (Switzerland), Advisor in Conflict Transformation at HEKS/EPER, Trainer & Facilitator

Regula Gattiker is a creative peacebuilding professional with a passion for connecting the arts and conflict transformation. Since 2003, she has worked as a project manager, advisor, trainer, and practice-oriented researcher across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. She holds degrees in Political Science, English Literature, International Public Law, Arts Management, and Mediation, and is currently training as an integrative advisor, coach, and supervisor at the Institute for Body-centered Psychology (IBP). Regula has led and co-created arts-based peace projects, including “Les voy a contar la historia” with displaced farmers in Colombia and several “culture for peace” initiatives in Myanmar (Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation). She authored the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation’s Reflection Paper on “Culture and Sustaining Peace” and has taught conflict-sensitive arts practice at Zurich University of the Arts. Regula is especially motivated to explore the healing power of the arts to bridge inner healing and peacebuilding.

 

BARRY HART (USA), Emeritus Professor of Trauma, Identity and Conflict Studies, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University, USA

Barry Hart is Emeritus Professor of Trauma, Identity and Conflict Studies, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University, USA. He was the he Academic Director of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding from 2009-2012 and held the same position in the Caux Scholars Program, Caux, Switzerland from 1997-2010. Dr. Hart has conducted workshops on psychosocial trauma recovery and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Burundi and among Rwandan refugees in Tanzania. Hart has lived and worked in the Balkans where he developed and led trauma and conflict transformation programs for schools, communities and religious leaders. He was engaged in a three-year peacebuilding institute and curriculum development project between EMU and the University of Hargeisa in Somaliland (2008-2011). He has also co-led inter-racial workshops in Richmond, Virginia for Hope in the Cities. He holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR), George Mason University. Publications include the book ‘Peacebuilding in Traumatized Societies’, and numerous book chapters and journal articles on conflict transformation and restorative justice and the power of dignity in the negotiation process.

 

KATHY JETNIL-KIJINER (Marshall Islands), Poet and Climate Change Activist, Marshall Islands Climate Envoy

Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner is a Marshall Islander poet, performance artist, educator. She received international acclaim through her poetry performance at the opening of the United Nations Climate Summit in New York in 2014. Her writing and performances have been featured by CNN, Democracy Now, the Huffington Post, NBC News, National Geographic, and more. In February 2017, the University of Arizona Press published her first collection of poetry, Iep Jāltok: Poems from a Marshallese Daughter.

Kathy also co-founded the youth environmentalist non-profit Jo-Jikum dedicated to empowering Marshallese youth to seek solutions to climate change and other environmental impacts threatening their home island. Kathy has been selected as one of 13 Climate Warriors by Vogue in 2015 and the Impact Hero of the Year by Earth Company in 2016. She received her Master’s in Pacific Island Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. (photo: www.kathyjetnilkijner.com)

 

TRISTAN KAUFMANN (Switzerland), Medical Doctor & Musician

Tristan Kaufmann is a medical doctor who builds bridges between healthcare, music, and social cohesion through artistic and collective expression. Inspired by his parents, collective musical experiences, preventive medicine, child psychiatry, cycling journeys, and principles of shared governance, he adopts a multidisciplinary, relationship-centered approach. In 2020, he co-founded the Ersatz Festival in Neuchâtel, a music-focused event now in its third edition. That same year, he co-launched the Educafon Association, which runs two programs: one supporting the development of a primary school in Burkina Faso, and another promoting Sambla griot culture, music, and social cohesion. As part of this, Tristan facilitates workshops using "Rhythm with Signs," a gestural language for collective music-making, in diverse contexts—from psychiatric clinics to migrant centers and institutions for vulnerable populations—always emphasizing inclusion and creative expression. For Tristan, languages - in all forms: words, gestures, arts, and music are keys to fostering mutual understanding and peace.

 

JO MORTEN KAVEN (Norway), Sámi encaustic artist, singer/joiker, and original member of the Sámi band Rolffa

Jo Morten Kåven, from Karasjok, Norway, is a Sámi encaustic artist, singer/joiker, and original member of the Sámi band Rolffa. Besides his artistic endeavors, Jo has a background as a clinical social worker, including work at the Sámi Klinihkka (SANKS). He has also contributed to increasing recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights at the UN through his work at DOCIP in Geneva, Switzerland, and at the Sámi Parliament of Norway. Jo is passionate about strengthening Sámi and other Indigenous Peoples' rights, including their rights to self-determination, culture, and to their lands, territories, and resources, as outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. (photo: Arctic Voices)

 

GUILA CLARA KESSOUS (France), UNESCO Artist for Peace, Peace Ambassador and Executive Coach

Recipient of a doctorate under Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel’s direction and an MBA of ESSEC Business School, Dr. Guila Clara Kessous (France) is a UNESCO Artist for Peace, Peace Ambassador and executive coach. She combines performing art and activism working as an “artivist” helping population victims of post traumatic syndroms. She has worked with displaced population in Bangladesh (Rohingyas), in Rwanda (survivors of genocides) as well as in Congo with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Mukwege. As a teacher at the Harvard Carr Center for Human Rights Policies at Harvard Kennedy School, she created the course “Theatre and Human Rights” and received the Derek Bok Center Award for excellence in teaching. As an executive coach, she developed specific training using role games and Harvard negotiation techniques to enhance executive inner empowerment. She became “Rising Talent” for the Women’s Forum for the Economy and the Society helping thousands of executives for a more assertive and positive leadership. She is running the International Day of Women’s Rights and World Art Day at UNESCO. Dr Kessous has been knighted by the French government.

 

DR JOHN PAUL LEDERACH (USA), Professor Emeritus of International Peacebuilding, Kroc Institute University of Notre Dame (via video conference)

Dr. John Paul Lederach is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in the fields of peacebuilding and conflict transformation. He is widely known for the development of culturally based approaches to conflict transformation; the design and implementation of integrative, strategic approaches to peacebuilding; and for carving a robust integration of the arts and social change. Over the course of his career, Lederach has garnered extensive experience working with non-governmental organizations, community-based initiatives impacted by cycles of violence, and national peace process design. He has worked extensively as a practitioner in conciliation processes in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast and Central Asia.
Lederach is the author or editor of 30 books and manuals (translated into a dozen languages), and numerous academic articles and monographs on peace education, conflict transformation, international peacebuilding, and conciliation training. He has developed training materials and manuals available in Spanish on peace education, conflict transformation, and mediation, now used widely throughout Latin America.
Lederach received his bachelor’s degree in history and peace studies from Bethel College and his doctorate of philosophy degree in sociology, with a concentration on social conflict, from the University of Colorado. He currently serves as Senior Fellow for Humanity United and Professor Emeritus of International Peacebuilding at the Joan B. Kroc Institute of International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. (photo: Linkedin)

 

CLAUDIA MEIER (Switzerland), Social Cohesion Activist & Graphic Artist, Europe Lead Build Up

Claudia Meier is a social cohesion activist with an artist’s soul. As part of the Build Up collective, she weaves global (digital) conflict transformation methods into Europe’s increasingly polarizing social fabric. At home in Switzerland, Claudia co-directs Zwischentöne - Learning from Societal Crises, an oral history project that honors personal stories to shape future crisis management. She also coordinates Build Up’s work on Belonging, Memory, and the Arts. Off-screen, Claudia enjoys capturing ideas through visual facilitation, and moments through wedding photography. Before turning her focus closer to home, Claudia was Associate Director at the Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi), which she remains connected to as board member and non-resident fellow. Prior to that, she managed Interpeace’s conflict transformation programs in Burundi and Rwanda.

 

SARAH NOBLE (Canada/Switzerland), Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initiatives of Change

Sarah Noble is a Canadian-born peace advocate and storyteller currently based in Geneva, Switzerland. Sarah is the Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation where she works on partnerships, inner development,  the Caux Arts and Peace Encounters, and the Caux Forums. She is also co-founder and Curator of the PeaceTalks, a global storytelling platform dedicated to stories of peace at Interpeace. She has over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, fundraising, and partnerships in global organizations focused on peacebuilding, humanitarian issues, and non-profit public interest media. Passionate about storytelling as a tool for healing and social change, Sarah believes in its power to address global challenges. In her TEDx talk, Storytelling is Our Real-Life Superpower, she highlights how narratives can shape a better future. Sarah is the mom of 2 small kids and is motivated by a desire to be a good ancestor. Sarah has an MA in International Affairs from Norman Paterson School of International Affairs and a BA in Political Studies and Economics from Queen’s University.

 

IGNACIO PACKER, Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change

Ignacio Packer is Executive Director of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, a Swiss private charitable foundation with the mission to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organizations from around the globe to engage effectively and innovatively in the promotion of trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security. Ignacio has over 30 years of experience in humanitarian work and development issues. He is an expert on human rights and social issues and has been strongly engaged in global advocacy on protection frameworks for migrants and refugees with a particular focus on children and youth.

 

MARUEE PAHUJA (India), Expressive Arts Consultant, Process Facilitator, Visual Artist, and Eye-Care Practitioner

Maruee Pahuja is an impassioned Expressive Arts Consultant, Process Facilitator, Visual Artist, and Eye-Care Practitioner passionate about bridging arts and science. At the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, she fosters peacebuilding through arts-based approaches and drives strategy with Creative Leadership, the Caux Foundation's initiative for young leaders. With over 300 workshops worldwide and collaborations with 25+ non-profits, Maruee champions arts-based interventions for leadership and community resilience. A speaker at Geneva Peace Week, the International Day of Conscience and the Caux Democracy Forum, she has created 5,000+ multimedia artworks and exhibited nationally. Dedicated to transformation through creativity, Maruee continues to inspire and innovate globally.

 

ANTONIO PERUJO (Switzerland), Dancer

Antonio Perujo is a flamenco dancer, choreographer, and teacher with over 40 years of experience. He discovered his passion for flamenco as a child during family trips to Málaga and through early performances in Lausanne. At just 14, he began teaching—and today, at 49, he runs his own flamenco school in Bern while continuing to teach in Geneva, Zurich, Martigny, and Neuchâtel.

In 1998, he founded the Ballet Flamenco Antonio Perujo, a family project that toured internationally. His teaching style is marked by joy, humor, and a deep respect for compás, the rhythmic foundation of flamenco. He emphasizes technical precision, stylistic understanding, and emotional expression in dance.

Together with his sister Sylvia, he organizes the Feria Flamenca and is actively involved in the growth of flamenco culture in Switzerland—through new festivals and by nurturing young talent. For Antonio Perujo, flamenco is more than just dance—it is a lived passion and a cultural bridge between Switzerland and Spain.

 

ANDREW STALLYBRASS (UK/Switzerland), Council Member Caux Initiatives of Change & Caux Palace Historian

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.
He is the Foundation's in-house historian at the Caux Palace, where his extensive knowledge of the Foundation’s rich history makes him the perfect guide for tours through the buildings and gardens. Andrew’s deep understanding of the Foundation’s past also makes him a valuable asset to the Council, bringing historical insight and continuity to its work.

 

ANNE-CATHERINE SUTERMEISTER (Switzerland), Head of Community Engagement, Arts & Training Programmes for Switzerland, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Anne-Catherine Sutermeister (PhD) has worked in the cultural sector for more than 25 years. She worked in cultural organisations (Théâtre de Vidy-Lausanne, Bibliothèque cantonale universitaire, Théâtre du Jorat), in higher education (La Manufacture in Lausanne and HEAD-Geneva), in cultural policy (Canton of Berne, Pro Helvetia Foundation Board, State of Valais), and as a consultant and trainer which gives her a global view of the cultural sector.

 

 

KARIM WASFI (Iraq), Conductor, Iraq National Symphony Orchestra

Maestro Karim Wasfi is the Conductor of the Iraq National Symphony Orchestra, a renowned cellist, peace ambassador, and leadership strategist. As the founder and CEO of Peace Through Arts, he leverages music, education, and the arts to counter radicalization, prevent extremism, and foster sustainable peace. Through cultural diplomacy and societal engagement, he has pioneered initiatives to rebuild war-torn communities and promote healing using music and sound frequencies. His instant composition performances enhance connectivity and subconscious pattern shifts, aiding thousands in crisis areas. His groundbreaking work has earned global recognition, including prestigious awards for cultural excellence and diplomacy. Beyond conducting and performing, he explores the intersection of sound therapy and artificial intelligence. Educated in Physics and Philosophy at Cairo University and trained in performance and conducting at Indiana University’s School of Music, he studied under legendary mentors such as Janos Starker and David Effron. Beginning his musical journey at age six in Baghdad, he has since performed and conducted workshops worldwide, continuing to inspire audiences through the universal language of sound.

 

HYUNG JOON WON, Violinist & Founder of Lindenbaum Festival Orchestra

Hyung Joon Won is a South Korean violinist trained at the Juilliard School. In 1990, he performed at the World Economic Forum which celebrated the 1990 reunification of East and West Germany. This inspired him to think of music as a medium of reconciliation. In 2009, with the hope of creating a joint North and South Korea orchestra, he founded the Lindenbaum Festival Orchestra. Since 2009, he is planning to hold a joint orchestra concert between the Koreas. Hyung believes that eventually, his dreams will come true. His relentless efforts towards making his dream a reality is captured in the documentary film named “9 at 38”.

 

LISA YASKO (Ukraine), Musician and a Member of Parliament of Ukraine

Lisa Yasko is a musician and a member of the parliament of Ukraine (Servant of the People party), a member of Committee on Foreign affairs and Interparliamentary cooperation, the head of interparliamentary cooperation, bilateral and multilateral relations and also a member of the Ukrainian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. She is also the founder of Yellow Blue Strategy, an NGO with a focus on making Ukraine creative, safe and sustainable. Lisa is active in cultural diplomacy and is a producer of documentary films, TV programmes and creative music performances. Occasionally she also composes and performs music.She is a political and strategic communications specialist who worked at the presidential administration of Ukraine, the Ukrainian parliament and for the British Government (Department of Culture, Digital, Media and Sports). Lisa was a Caux Scholar and Caux Artist in 2015, 2016 and co-organizer of the Caux Dialogue for Land and Security in 2018 and 2019. In parliamentary work her focus is the protection of territorial integrity and national security issues, fostering economic reforms, and to foster the de-occupation of Crimea and Donbass. Lisa advocates for the Ukrainian Recovery NOW, military aid, reforms of the international organizations and the new European reality in peace without any aggressor

 

CELINE YVON, Expert in venture philanthropy and sustainable development and Former Director of Leenaards Foundation

An unapologetic humanist, bridge-builder, and leader, Céline Yvon brings over 20 years of experience advancing social change through venture philanthropy, sustainable development, and international cooperation. Her career spans impactful roles with the Swiss Foreign Ministry, global corporate philanthropy initiatives, and a leading non-governmental organization, all grounded in extensive fieldwork and strategic vision.

Céline is driven by the challenge of turning bold ideas into action—through strategic planning, innovative partnerships, and dynamic multi-stakeholder collaboration. Passionate about leadership, entrepreneurship, and creativity, she is currently exploring the frontiers of social and creative entrepreneurship, hybrid finance, and purpose-driven leadership. She draws inspiration from visionary changemakers and the enduring resilience of nature.

 

YARA ZGHEIB (Lebanon/USA), Writer, Author, International Consultant on Human Security

Yara Zgheib is a writer, traveler, and lover of nature, jazz, and art. She was born in Lebanon and has part of her heart still there. The other is in Paris, where she lives. She is the author of the critically acclaimed novel No Land to Light On, which was longlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize; selected as a 2022 Indie Book Read; and chosen by The Washington Post, The L.A. Times, and Newsweek as one of the top books of 2022. Her debut novel, The Girls at 17 Swann Street, was a People pick for Best New Books; a Barnes and Noble pick for Best Books of 2019; and a BookMovement Group Read. Her new novel, Why Paris., and her essay collection An Absolute Necessity are forthcoming from Harper Via, as is a hybrid book of poetry and music, Dust and Ions. Her writing is an attempt to bear witness to what it true and beautiful in the world.

Yara is also a Fulbright scholar and holds a PhD in International Affairs in Diplomacy. She consults with governments and the nonprofit sector on peace and security strategies, with an emphasis on conflict resolution, counter terrorism, and countering violent extremism. She joined Initiatives of Change in 2011 and helped organize the Forum on Just Governance for Human Security, and chaired the humansecurityX Fellowship Programme. She believes that love and ideas can change the world. She likes books and good conversations, early morning yoga, evening walks.

 

Discover the full programme

 

 

Organisers & Partners

The Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation is part of the Initiatives of Change global movement committed to societal transformation by starting with personal change for a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

Throughout its history, Caux programming fostered a network of people who share the belief that different forms of arts can be positive and powerful forces for change in personal lives and the world at large.

Most recently Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation renewed its work in this area which included a soft launch and  benefit concert with world renowned pianist Khatia Buniatishvilli in May 2024 as well as through a Special Arts and Peace Encounters Event during the Geneva Peace Week in October 2024

The Caux Arts and Peace Encounters 2025 edition is held in partnership with the Swiss Development Cooperation, UNESCO Artist for Peace, Guila Kessous, the Embassy of Colombia to Switzerland, the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform, the financial support of the Minkoff Foundation and sponsored by the generous donations from Khatia Buniatishvili's charity concert. Additional partnerships are being explored as well.

Download the flyer

 

 

The Venue: the Caux Palace

The Caux Arts and Peace Encounters takes place in our centre for dialogue and peacebuilding, the Caux Palace, a former Belle Epoque Hotel nestled in the mountains 1000m above sea level. With its breathtaking view over the Leman and the Alps, it provides a unique and inspiring setting.

 

Cost

CHF 300.- including:

• Accommodation in either shared or single room at the Caux Palace and Villa Maria
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Coffee and tea breaks as well as refreshments
• Participation in the Caux Arts and Peace Encounters
• Materials provided during the event
• VAT & City taxes

 

SOLIDARITY FUND

We have created a fund aimed at fostering true diversity of participants by providing support to those who might not otherwise be able to participate. Every contribution helps and we appreciate any additional amount you are able to give when paying via the registration form. 

 

 

Advisory Committee

• MICHEL ABOU KHALIL (LEBANON/SWITZERLAND), PhD, Director of Swiss Made Culture, Crans (VS)
• CELINE YVON (SWITZERLAND/ AUSTRIA), Expert in venture philanthropy and sustainable development and Former Director of Leenaards Foundation,
• MARUEE PAHUJA (INDIA), Creative Leadership, Visual Artist, Intermodal Expressive Arts Therapy Practitioner and an Arts-Informed Ecotherapy Practitioner 
• BARRY HART (USA) Emeritus Professor of Trauma, Identity and Conflict Studies, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University, USA
• ANNE-CATHERINE SUTERMEISTER (SWITZERLAND), Head of Community Engagement, Arts & Training Programmes, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
• SARAH NOBLE (CANADA/SWITZERLAND), Head of Global Engagement - Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
• IGNACIO PACKER (SWITZERLAND), Executive Director Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

 

 

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Art is more than aesthetics; it’s a universal language that transcends borders and ideologies….Art brings people together by fostering empathy, offering alternative narratives, and creating spaces for dialogue. From Myanmar to Colombia, we see how art not only expresses personal stories but also builds bridges between divided communities.”

Rudi von Planta, Swiss Development Cooperation, Arts and Peace Encounters, 18 October 2024

 

 

Watch the replay of the Arts and Peace Encounters event at Geneva Peace Week 2024