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

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year that has reinforced the connection between inner development and global action. Our commitment to inspiring, equipping, and connecting individuals to make meaningful change has resonated with many, taking shape through initiatives aimed at tackling urgent and complex challenges.

This year our flagship event, the Caux Forum, welcomed over 850 participants from more than 70 countries. The inaugural Caux IDG Forum highlighted the role of inner development in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. The Caux Democracy Forum and Geneva Democracy Dialogues, key components of our three-year Democracy Programme, facilitated important conversations on democratic governance, human rights, and sustainable social cohesion.

These sessions emphasised skills and mindsets necessary to revitalise democracy in Europe and across the world. Additionally the Nordic-led Caux Intergenerational Forum united different generations to explore shared European values and address global challenges threatening community peace and solidarity. 

In 2024, we celebrated our rich artistic heritage by exploring art’s potential as a catalyst for social transformation and conflict resolution. A charity concert, generously given by world-renowned pianist Khatia Buniatishvili at the Caux Palace, launched our new Caux Arts and Peace Encounters programme, underscoring the role of artistic expression in promoting understanding and peace. This theme continued with a special event during Geneva Peace Week. Throughout the year, the Caux Palace hosted over 60 events and groups, welcoming over 4500 guests, and a rich array of cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, and guided tours.

We are deeply grateful to our partners across the Lemanic region, International Geneva, and beyond. These collaborations have been fundamental in our pursuit of innovative and sustainable solutions to today’s global challenges, creating a more interconnected and supportive environment for positive change.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce some key events for 2025 including:

4 April, 2025: International Day of Conscience in Geneva
12 - 14 May, 2025: Caux Arts and Peace Encounters in Caux
8 - 12 July, 2025: Caux Democracy Forum
28 July – 1 August, 2025: Caux IDG Forum

This year has also brought immense global challenges, from devastating conflicts to mounting threats to democracy. These underscore the critical relevance of the Caux Foundation’s mission: reconciling differences and creating safe spaces where individuals from across the globe can engage effectively in the promotion of ethical leadership, trust, sustainability, and peacebuilding.

Thank you for your trust and support. We wish you a joyful holiday season and look forward to welcoming you to Caux in 2025.

Warm regards,
Your Caux Initiatives of Change Team

We are delighted that Maruee Pahuja from our Creative Leadership youth programme received the inaugural Love Force Awards at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad/India.

Organized by Sofia Stril-Rever, founder of BE THE LOVE and translator for the Dalai Lama, the event brought together panelists, award-winners and participants from diverse countries, including India, Brazil, Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Congo, the UK, France, and the Netherlands, as well as representatives from the Deaf Enabled community in India.

The 5-day event revolved around the theme of "Compassion in Action", focussing on the core values of Being, Interbeing, Loving, Serving, and Uniting. Panelists and guest speakers exchanged knowledge and wisdom across fields ranging from farming and forestry to regenerative business, fostering an environment of shared purpose, and the participants joined a kaleidoscope of activities and followed motivational talks, including a talk by the Dalai Lama.

During her presentation, Maruee passionately shared her personal journey, emphasizing her work with the Creative Leadership youth programme and the Foundation's new Caux Arts and Peace Encounters programme: "I am deeply commited to using arts and leadership for a transformative impact in peacebuilding."

One example of this commitment was her recent participation as a panelist during the Kofi Annan Peace Address and co-moderating the Arts and Peace Encounters special event alongside Sarah Noble, our Head of Global Engagement, at Geneva Peace Week 2024.

In Hyderabad, Maruee also co-moderated a session alongside Mark Milton from the Spirit of Humanity Forum on fostering dialogue for impactful leadership.

The Love Force Awards event celebrated impactful initiatives tackling key global challenges, such as indigenous advocacy, drug abuse prevention, climate crisis solutions, youth empowerment, and peace education and the participants went back home motivated to bring compassion in action in their work and projects.

Thank you to the organisers for pioneering this ground-breaking Love Force event, offering a transformative space for inner growth, actionable love and contributing to the implementation of the SDGs.

• Learn more about our Creative Leadership youth programme for young leaders
• Discover our new Caux Arts and Peace Encounters programme and find out more about our next event in May 2025

The arts have a knack of connecting people, no matter their background or walk of life, and last week's series of concerts at the Caux Palace, organised during this year's edition of Les Émergences musicales Montreux-Riviera 2024, was no exception.

On Tuesday, 3 December, the young French singer Anne Sila kicked off the concerts with poetic texts, subtle humour and charisma, ballads and jazz, and a mesmerizing voice. The finalist in the French edition of 'The Voice' in 2015 and winner in 2021 of the 'All Stars' version, Anne Sila took the audience in the fully-packed Caux Palace theatre on an artistic journey about the ups and downs of life which left nobody untouched.

Welcoming artists to the Caux Palace also means giving a platform to the unexpected and to reimagine and see the world from a different angle!

French folk/jazz singer and songwriter Cali's concert at the Caux Palace theatre on 4 December was an evening full of surprises, cleverly orchestrated by the talented and passionate entertainer who, accompanied by outstanding pianist Steve Nieve and a guest appearance by Anne Sila, captivated his audience and had them dancing and singing along right from the start.

Cali, who emerged as one of French pop's biggest new stars with his song "C'est Quand le Bonheur?" (When is Happiness?), is actively engaged in supporting many humanitarian causes. He helped set up the L'Amour parfait association, which raises funds to support a range of local and national charities, has been a patron for foundations helping the poorly housed and homeless, and took part in the digital campaign #EnsembleSurInternet, to fight against all forms of discrimination and hatred on the Internet.

On the last day of the Emergences musicales 2024, the Caux Palace opened its doors to the public for two extraordinary moments.

At the Caux Palace theatre, a "place which breathes songs", Francis Cabrel, one of the greatest French-speaking artists, offered the audience the unique opportunity to ask questions and discuss key moments in his career as a songwriter and singer. Expertly moderated by journalist Katja Baud-Lavigne from Swiss magazine L'illustré, Cabrel spoke about the beginnings of his career, moments of doubts and inspiration, finding one's calling as a musician and the role of music in today's world to help people dream in spite of difficult circumstances: "A beautiful song...and the world changes!"

The evening continued with a musical firework, prepared by the nine young artists who had been working together all week to compose and write twelve brand-new songs for the final concert.

Pierre Smets, director of La Saison culturelle de Montreux which produced the Émergences musicales 2024 in collaboration with Francis Cabrel's association Voix du Sud, underlined the importance of teamwork for young artists to help "break artistic solitude" in a complex profession and working together, beyond all differences, in a safe and judgement-free space.

Talented French singer/songwriter Gauvin Sers took over the last part of the evening after a week of "humanity and creation". With humour and warmth, he presented a collection of songs in a "place charged with history for (...) reconciliation" and highlighted the importance that music is about "believing in a better world, in spite of everything and no matter who we are."

Thank you to all the artists who work tirelessly for positive change! The Émergences musicales 2024 might have come to an end, but at the Caux Palace, we now look forward to our upcoming Caux Arts and Peace Encounters (12 - 14 May 2025) which will be uniting artists from around the world in their commitment for peace and reconciliation.

Stay tuned for more and find out more about our new Caux Arts and Peace Encounters programme building on the significant artistic heritage in the service of peace of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation.