Speakers & Contributors

15 July - Opening Ceremony

SPEAKERS

JACQUELINE COTÉ, President Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Jacqueline Coté was the Director of Public Relations and previously Head of Communications at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva from 2009 to 2021. In that role she was instrumental in building the new campus of the Institute, the Maison de la Paix, as a vibrant centre of conferences and seminars, thus solidifying the reputation and outreach of the Institute in International Geneva and beyond. Prior to that Ms Coté was the Permanent Representative to the UN of the International Chamber of Commerce and also served as Senior Advisor Advocacy & Partnerships to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.  In the early part of her career, Ms Coté practiced as an international lawyer in Canada and Switzerland and held management positions with multinational companies SGS and DuPont. Ms Coté believes that the global agenda can best be tackled by linking the public, private and non-profit sectors, and that dialogue and empathy are essential tools to achieve the sustainable development goals.  She recently trained as a mediator at Harvard Law School and joined the board of several associations to continue her engagement with International Geneva. Ms Coté has Swiss, Canadian and British nationalities, is a member of the Bar of Quebec and has two grown-up children who share her passion about tackling today’s global challenges in their areas of work.

RAYMOND LORETAN, Chairman Geneva Diplomatic Club

A former Swiss Ambassador to Singapore and Consul General in New York, Raymond Loretan is a political entrepreneur who, after leaving the Foreign Office in 2006, became Chairman and Director of several companies and foundations in fields as diverse as health, the hotel industry, chemicals, watchmaking and documentary cinema. He has been President of the Geneva Diplomatic Club since 2016, with the priority of decompartmentalising the worlds of diplomacy, economics, politics, academia and culture.  

AMBASSADOR THOMAS GUERBER, Deputy State Secretary, Head of UN Division

Ambassador Thomas Guerber was appointed Head of the UN Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in March 2022 and took up this role in August 2022. In January 2023 he was appointed to Deputy State Secretary. Previously, he was the Director of DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, from 1 July 2016 to July 2022. From 2010 to 2013, Ambassador Guerber was Switzerland’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. From 2007 to 2010, he worked as a Counsellor for financial, budgetary, and institutional issues at Switzerland’s Permanent Mission in New York. He was also posted in London and Copenhagen and held various other functions within the FDFA’s Middle East and North Africa Division and Human Security Division, including Head of Section for Peace Policy and Human Security. He entered the Swiss diplomatic service in 1997. Thomas Guerber holds an LL.M. degree in public international law and international economic law from the University of Berne, a master’s degree in European integration and economics from Institute for European Global Studies (Basel) and a master’s degree in history and literature from the University of Basel. Thomas Guerber was born in Bangkok in 1967. He is married and has two sons. Apart from his mother tongue German, he is fluent in English and French.

NADA AL-NASHIF, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights

Appointed United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights effective February 2020, Nada Al-Nashif has over 30 years of experience within the United Nations as an economist and development practitioner. Previously, Ms. Al-Nashif served as Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO (Paris), as Assistant Director-General & Regional Director of the International Labour Organization's Regional Office for Arab States (Beirut) and at the United Nations Development Programme in various headquarters (New York) and field assignments. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Balliol, Oxford University and a Master's in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School, Harvard University.

AMBASSADOR ANDRIUS KRIVAS, Chair of the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the Council of Europe

Ambassador Andrius Krivas is a Lithuanian diplomat. He is the Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the Council of Europe, where he is Chair of the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies from May to November 2024. He studied International Relations and was head of the International Relations Department at the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Lithuania. From 2001 to 2003 he worked as an adviser at the integration unit of the Security Policy Department of the MFA, and later as an adviser at the Lithuanian Embassy to the United States.
From 2007 - 2008, Andrius Krivas was head of the NATO division of the Security Policy Department of the MFA, then seconded to the KAM, where he was director of the Department of International Relations and Operations. He became the secretary of the ministry in 2008, and later worked as the chief adviser of the ministry. From 2010 to 2013, he was adviser to the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the OSCE and worked as deputy minister of the MFA in 2013 - 2016. Since 1 August 2016  he was the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Nations Bureau and other international organisations in Geneva.

MARUEE PAHUJA, Expressive Arts Therapy Facilitator & Strategist, Visual Artist & Eye-care Practitioner

Maruee Pahuja, an impassioned Expressive Arts Therapy facilitator and strategist, visual artist, and eye-care practitioner, is dedicated to enriching lives through the power of arts and science. As an Expressive Arts Consultant with Caux Initiatives of Change, she contributes strategic insights to foster robust dialogues in peacebuilding using arts-based approaches. Additionally, she serves as a core team member of Creative Leadership, driving content creation and strategy. Currently, she is designing a programme/project on Conscious Art with the School of Conscious Politics and is building on a pilot program in arts-based coaching with Step Ahead Berlin, one of the leading institutes in Expressive Arts, alongside the assistant dean of the European Graduate School. At Natasha Eye Care and Research Centre, she holds the role of Head of Optometry and Specialty Contact Lens Consultant. Here, she leads and trains teams of optometrists and optometry interns, spearheads social media strategies, and delivers exceptional clinical care, specialising in innovative approaches with specialty contact lenses. Maruee's journey is marked by pioneering efforts in developing arts-based therapeutic interventions and leading workshops that inspire profound transformation. From crafting curriculums to strategizing content that incites action, Maruee navigates the complexities of human emotions and societal needs with unwavering creativity and compassion.

JONAS TRUNEH, Project Development Officer at Triangle

Jonas Truneh's journey with Caux began in 2017 during the Just Governance for Human Security conference, marking the start of his deep connection to Initiatives of Change's principles. His subsequent involvement in the Caux Scholars Program in 2018 solidified his commitment. In 2019, Jonas immersed himself in leadership principles at the Caux Peace and Leadership Programme, further cementing his dedication. Now, as a founding member of the Creative Leadership team, he continues to contribute to Caux's mission. Based in Beirut, Jonas serves as a project development officer at Triangle, a social enterprise acting as both a think tank and an international development consultancy. Leveraging his expertise in program development and project management, Jonas spearheads strategic initiatives, drawing from his rich international background. He holds an MSc in International Public Policy from University College London and a BA degree with First-Class Honours in Religion, Politics, and Society from King’s College London.

SIDRA RASLAN, Creative Leadership & HP Amplify Impact Partner Sustainability Programme

Sidra Raslan from Syria is the Co-coordinating manager of Creative Leadership, a Caux Initiatives of Change initiative for young leaders that organises programmes focused on reconceptualizing leadership through dialogue and storytelling. Sidra also volunteers on topics of refugees rights and inclusion, inner development, and youth empowerment. Sidra holds a masters degree in environmental, economic and social sustainability from UAB and works at HP on their partner sustainability programme.

PROF. RAJMOHAN GANDHI, Historian, Biographer and former Member of India’s Parliament  

Rajmohan Gandhi is a historian, biographer and former President of Initiatives of Change International. He was born in 1935 and has worked as a journalist, writer, politician and professor of political science. Rajmohan Gandhi is unique in that he is both one of Mahatma Gandhi's grandsons and a grandson of C. Rajagopalachari, an Indian National Congress leader and the only Indian to have served as Governor General of India (from 1948 to 1950). Like Gandhi and Rajagopalachari, Rajmohan Gandhi is committed, including in politics, to a peaceful democracy with integrity and respect for the dignity of every individual. He is the author of numerous works on the figures of the struggle for Indian independence, the drama of the partition of India and the relations between Hindus and Muslims.

HOSTS

IGNACIO PACKER, Executive Director Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Ignacio Packer was appointed as Executive Director of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation in May 2023. Until March 2023, he served as Executive Director of ICVA, the global consortium of humanitarian NGOs. ICVA is a global network of non-governmental organisations whose mission is to make humanitarian action more principled and effective by working collectively and independently to influence policy and practice. Ignacio has over 30 years of experience in humanitarian work and development issues. He served a five-year term as Secretary General of the Terre des Hommes International Federation, and previously worked for the Terre des Hommes Foundation, the Swiss Tropical Institute, the European Association for Development and Health, Medecins Sans Frontieres, KPMG and the European Bank for Latin America. He is an expert on human rights and social issues. He has been strongly engaged in global advocacy on protection frameworks for migrants and refugees with a particular focus on children and youth. Passionate for long-distance challenges, he is also an enthusiastic ultra-trail runner.

SARAH NOBLE, Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initiatives of Change

Sarah Noble is the Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation. She is passionate about showcasing people's stories about how we build peace with each other and the planet. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience and has held leadership positions at international organisations focused on peacebuilding, humanitarian issues, and independent media. Sarah is co-founder and curator of the Peace Talks at Interpeace and also served as Director of External Relations at The New Humanitarian, a non-profit newsroom that puts quality, independent journalism at the service of the millions of people affected by humanitarian crises around the world. In her TEDx talk, Storytelling is Our Real-Life Superpower, she invites us to embrace this ability to take on the existential issues of our time and create a better future.

16 July

PLENARY SPEAKERS

ASSAAD CHAFTARI, Co-Founder of Fighters for Peace

Assaad Chaftari from Lebanon took an active part in the Lebanese civil war where he worked in the security and intelligence services of the Christian Lebanese Forces (LF). In 1985 he co-negotiated the Tripartite Agreement on behalf of the LF and co-created the WAED - National Secular Democratic party in 1990. When he met Initiatives of Change, he experienced a change of heart and wrote a public letter of repentance and apology to his victims in February 2000. In 2012 he co-created Fighters for Peace, an NGO of ex-civil war fighters from all denominations working together for civil peace, healing and immunising against violence. In 2016 he wrote an autobiography with the title The truth even with a trembling voice. Assaad has a long experience in public speaking, training and organising dialogues, conferences and mediation. Since 2016 he is a member of the Global Peace Builders Network. He is also a council member of Initiatives of Change International.

DR. PETER SHAMBROOK, Independant Scholar & Historical Consultant, Balfour Project

Peter Shambrook is an independent scholar and historical consultant to the Balfour Project, which works to advance equal rights for all in Palestine/Israel. He holds a PhD in modern Middle Eastern history from the University of Cambridge. Author of French Imperialism in Syria, 1927-1936 and Policy of Deceit - Britain and Palestine, 1914-1939. He lives in Durham, UK.

ANGELA STARAVOYTOVA and colleagues from Ukraine

Angela Starovoytova is passionate about building connections between people and communities. Her expertise is in using non-formal education and participatory facilitation methods to create a safe and trusting environment where individuals and groups can find personal transformation and changed  relationships. Angela has 20 years of international experience organizing and running workshops/conferences/long-term programmes on such themes as ethical leadership, conflict-resolution, trust- and peacebuilding and critical thinking. She is one of the founders of Foundations for Freedom/Initiatives of Change (Ukraine), and has worked in Ukraine, UK, Switzerland, Germany and Uganda. 

REV DR. JAMES MOVEL WUYE, Pentecoastal Pastor and Co-Executive Director of the Interfaith Mediation Centre Kaduna, Nigeria

Rev Dr. James Movel Wuye is a Pentecostal Pastor with Assemblies of God Northern Nigeria (AGNN), and Co-Executive Director of the Interfaith Mediation Centre in Kaduna, Nigeria. During the 1980s and 1990s he was involved in Christian activities targeted at protecting the Church from ethno-religious violence. He served in various committees for peace and reconciliation in Kaduna State, national and international level and was a member of the African Union (AU) Interfaith Committee. He is Assistant District Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Northern Nigeria (AGNN), Secretary-General of the North-Western States of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and also a member of the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). His peacebuilding effort has earned him numerous awards, including the Peace Activist Award of the Tanenbaum Center of Interreligious Understanding. He is the subject of several documentary films, like The Imam and the Pastor; a moving story of forgiveness and a case-study of a successful grass-roots initiative to rebuild communities torn apart by conflict.

IMAM DR. MUHAMMAD NURAYN ASHAFA, Co-Executive Director of the Interfaith Mediation Centre Kaduna, Nigeria

Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa is the Co-executive Director of the Interfaith Mediation Centre in Kaduna, Nigeria, a faith-based non-governmental organisation he co-founded in 1995, working to end violent clashes between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. His work has spread beyond Nigeria to Ghana, Burundi, Chad and Kenya, among some other countries in Africa, and he has featured in documentary films promoting forgiveness and reconciliation. Imam Ashafa's work has earned him numerous honours and awards. Imam Ashafa took an active role in several  documentary films, like Belief, a seven-part documentary series hosted by Oprah Winfrey. Iman Ashafa is the Ambassador of the Golden Rule of the United Religions Initiative (URI) and presently an Advisor on the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) programme, a USAID funded project under the lead of the Mercy Corps. He is recognized as one of the 500 Islamic influential figures around the world for his efforts in development in line with his peacebuilding efforts across the globe.

AMINA DIKEDI-AJAKAIYE, Immediate past-president of Creators of Peace International

Amina Dikedi-Ajakaiye (Nigeria/UK) has been actively involved in the work of the Initiatives of Change (IofC) since 1982. Originally a teacher, Amina decided to change her profession and run a fashion business in Lagos. While involved in her profession, Amina remained involved with IofC volunteer work. In 2000, as a member of the IofC International Coordination Group, Amina and others ran international pan-African ethical leadership programmes across Africa. In 2013, Amina was contracted as Project Leader to support the South Sudan Initiative for Peace and National Reconciliation. From 1994 to 2013 Amina served as International Coordinator to the Creators of Peace (CoP).  She has been a Board member of IofC Nigeria since 2012 and a member of the IofC African Coordination Group (ACG) 2007 – 2010. She has worked with the Agenda for Reconciliation programme for over 10 years, served as convenor of the ACG and was President of Creators of Peace International. Through her work and her caring approach, Amina has earned the respect, trust and friendship of a large network of individuals throughout Africa and many countries beyond, from Presidents, and politicians, senior civil servants, traditional leaders, educators, business people and ordinary citizens.

NADA AL-NASHIF, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights

Appointed United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights effective February 2020, Nada Al-Nashif has over 30 years of experience within the United Nations as an economist and development practitioner. Previously, Ms. Al-Nashif served as Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO (Paris), as Assistant Director-General & Regional Director of the International Labour Organization's Regional Office for Arab States (Beirut) and at the United Nations Development Programme in various headquarters (New York) and field assignments. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Balliol, Oxford University and a Master's in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School, Harvard University.

17 JULY

PLENARY SPEAKERS

SYLVIA VALENTIN, Advocacy Officer Terre des Hommes Switzerland & Board Member Coalition for Corporate Responsibility

Sylvia Valentin works in the department for development politics of terre des hommes schweiz where one of her focuses is corporate social responsibility. She mainly works on the illegal resource exploitation in Western Sahara and supports the Sahrawi people in their struggle for self-determination. She is also board member of the Coalition for Corporate Responsibility in Switzerland. The background of her PhD analyzing the work of NGOs working on freedom of the media lead her to support Reporter Without Borders Switzerland as board member for ten years.

LEWIS CARDINAL, Educator, Storyholder, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue, Canada

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.

CORINNE MOMAL-VANIAN, Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation

Corinne Momal-Vanian is the Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation. Previously, she worked in various senior positions and a variety of countries for the United Nations, most recently as Director of Conference Management at the United Nations Office at Geneva (2015-2020) and Director of Information (2010-2015).

Ms. Momal-Vanian served as Special Assistant to Kofi Annan in 2005 and 2006, traveling with him to some 20 countries as he worked to resolve crises, defuse tensions, highlight the plight of communities and individuals suffering from discrimination and abuses, build international cooperation and strengthen support for development and justice. She worked for a total of six years in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, after serving in two regional economic and social commissions of the United Nations.

Passionate about justice, gender equality, inclusion, innovation and learning, Ms. Momal-Vanian chaired the Steering Group of the International Gender Champions from 2016 to 2019 and was a co-organiser of the three editions of TEDxPlaceDesNations.

TODD HOWLAND, Chief of the Development, Economic, and Social Rights Branch of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Todd Howland is Chief of the Development, Economic, and Social Rights Branch of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He oversees the work of the Office on cultural rights, social security rights, the rights of people with disabilities, minorities, women, older people, migrants and others. He has worked for human rights in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Colombia and elsewhere, and has been a Professor of Human Rights Law.

HOSTS

PETER RIDDELL, Convenor, Agenda for Reconciliation, Initiatives of Change UK

Peter Riddell (UK) is Convenor of Initiatives of Change UK’s Agenda for Reconciliation programme which supports refugees who wish to contribute to rebuilding their countries of origin. He has spent several decades with IofC organizing trustbuilding programmes between people of different faiths based on shared moral and spiritual values, in particular with people who have suffered due to Britain’s imperial legacy. He is a founder member of several organizations including British-Arab Exchanges and the Balfour Project.

DAYA BHAGWANDAS, Founding Director Neuro Network 

Daya Bhagwandas works in the field of neurosciences and brain development with adults and children. A passionate social entrepreneur, her approach focuses on transformation linking brain development and achieving human potential. Her neuroeducation programme, Achieving Brain Competency (ABC), has been rolled out in schools in many countries. Daya`s work experience includes rehabilitating child soldiers and more recently at-risk youths in Malaysia. In Australia she was Assistant Director at Gymbaroo the country’s largest Early Childhood Development programme with 65 centres. Daya is editor of book Tomorrow`s Children. She is also an internationally certified Yoga Master and lives in Melbourne, Australia. 

18 JULY

PLENARY SPEAKERS

MARTIN BOGOMILOV PENOV (Bulgaria), Development Consultant & Political Activist, Vice-President of the Young European Federalists

Martin Bogomilov Penov is an international development consultant and political activist focusing on youth policy and democracy at the European level, particularly in Eastern Europe. He grew up in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria and went on to study political science and international relations at the University of Manchester. During his time in the UK, he helped revive the Young European Movement UK, serving as its Vice-President and International Officer between 2020 and 2023 and campaigning for a closer relationship with the EU. As part of the board of YEM UK, he represented the organisation in a number of international conferences and worked closely with the EU Delegation to the UK on youth topics, as well as launched a charity campaign for Ukraine. Later in 2023 he was elected Vice-President of the Young European Federalists (JEF Europe) where he currently leads the organisation's work on the rule of law, democracy, the war in Ukraine and the Eastern Partnership. Now back in Bulgaria, Martin is actively campaigning against corruption and advocating for a more transparent and democratic future for the country's youth, having participated in his first parliamentary election at the age of 23 as part of "Yes, Bulgaria!". Martin is also a Young European Ambassador for the EU Neighbours East programme and has written about politics in Bulgaria and the wider region for a number of media outlets.

MURSAL KHAROTI (UK/Afghanistan), Mental Health Activist

Mursal Kharoti is a British-Afghan dedicated to advancing mental health services and infrastructure in conflict-affected nations. Her unique perspective is informed by her family's humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, her academic background in Psychology as well as her passion for social ethics and creative writing. She is currently focusing on technological solutions for war trauma sufferers and the formation of community-based women's collectives in Kenya, focusing on whole-person development. Mursal's work aligns with core democratic principles and promotes the universal values of compassion and mutual understanding. Her humanistic worldview drives her dedication to fostering inclusive and equitable solutions particularly within education, mental health, and gender equality.

VERONICA TING-HSIN HONG (Taiwan), Coach and Facilitator

Veronica Hong is on a mission to foster an inclusive, inspiring, and loving world where people lead fulfilling lives as their authentic selves, in harmony with all beings and nature. Drawing on her unique blend of cross-cultural experiences, interdisciplinary background, and a varied career in multiple sectors, she excels at bridging cultures and disciplines and illuminating fresh possibilities. She hosts playful and regenerative spaces for exploration, deep connection, and co-creation, empowering individuals and teams to become creators for positive change. 

PROF MYROSLAV MARYNOVYCH (Ukraine), President of the Institute of Religion and Society, Ukrainian Catholic University, Lviv/Ukraine, Educator & Human Rights Activist

Myroslav Marynovych is the President of the Institute of Religion and Society at the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, Ukraine, and a Rector’s Adviser. He has organised and participated in multiple ecumenical meetings and those in the field of inter-religious and inter-ethnic dialogues. He was a founding member of the Ukrainian Helsinki Group and a prisoner of conscience (1977–1987). Myroslav headed the Amnesty International structures in Ukraine (1991–1996) and is the former president of the Ukrainian Center of the PEN International (2010–2014). He is the Honorary President of the Ukrainian PEN-Center, a member of the “First December” Initiative (since 2011) and of the Nestor Group of Ukrainian intellectuals (since 2012).  Myroslav Marynovych is a promoter of inter-ethnic and inter-religious reconciliation and cooperation. His personal experience of imprisonment was summarised in his memoirs The Universe behind Barbed Wire: Memoirs of a Soviet Ukrainian Dissident (2021).

HON. JACQUELINE NYIBOL BENJAMIN, Member of Parliament South Sudan

Hon. Jacqueline Nyibol Benjamin is a notable South Sudanese politician, serving as a Member of Parliament in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly since 2019. She holds the position of Secretary of Planning and Economic Affairs in the SPLM National Secretariat HQ. Previously, she was the Deputy Secretary for Administration and Finance in the SPLM since May 2017 and has served as a board member of the National Revenue Authority. Her earlier roles include Town Mayor of Aweil Municipal Council, Director General of the State Ministry of Social Development, and Minister of Information and Postal Service in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. She began her political career as the Deputy Chairperson for the Finance Committee at the State Legislative Assembly. Hon. Benjamin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Mumbai University, a Master’s in Gender Analysis in Economics from Makerere University, and a Master’s in Security Management from Egerton University. Her extensive experience and educational background make her a vital figure in South Sudan’s political landscape.

NATHALIE CHAVANNE O'NEILL (France), Member of Board of Directors Initiatives of Change France

Nathalie Chavanne O'Neill has had a long association with Initiatives of France, from her student days in Paris and England to her husband's involvement in links with the Arab world and French-speaking African countries. In France, she spent many years taking part in peace education programmes in secondary schools. She has also co-facilitated dialogue forums to help different cultural communities live together better in times of great tension. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Initiatives of Change France. 

HON LEE JU-YOUNG (South Korea), Politician

Hon Lee Ju-Young from South Korea is the former deputy speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly, former Minister of Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and a five-term National Assembly member.

VERONICA ALCOCER GARCIA, First Lady of Colombia

Verónica  Alcócer García's dedication and commitment have been fundamental in the social work of her husband, Gustavo Petro, throughout his political career. She has played a crucial role in the promotion and development of social initiatives, positively impacting Colombian children. During her time as First Lady of Bogotá, Verónica Alcocer García dedicated her efforts to strengthening education and the integral well-being of children, youth and women. She used tools such as music to create safe environments and promote the integral development of these groups, reflecting her commitment to building a more just and inclusive society. Currently, as First Lady of the Republic of Colombia, she works tirelessly for national reconciliation, considering art, culture and active listening processes as tools to transform the social fabric, to promote unity and peaceful coexistence. From this vision, her lines of action are oriented towards the training and productive process of people deprived of liberty; access to drinking water as a right that promotes social justice; the integral wellbeing of children and the elderly, and the strengthening of women as agents of change, through artistic expressions and the customs of each territory. In addition, she has led her work in collaboration with the private sector and international cooperation to carry out fundamental alliances that unite communities and promote respect, identity and equality in the country.

 CONTRIBUTOR

LEWIS CARDINAL, Leader of the Global Indigenous Dialogue, Canada

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.

WORKSHOP EXPERTS

JO BERRY, Founder of Building Bridges for Peace and Public Speaker

Jo Berry, an inspiring speaker and founder of the charity Building Bridges for Peace, emerged from a profound personal tragedy to become a global advocate for reconciliation. In 1984, her father fell victim to an IRA bomb, igniting a journey that led her to engage with the ex-combatant who planted the bomb, Patrick Magee. Their unprecedented relationship, documented in the BBC's "Facing the Enemy" and featured in films like "Beyond Right and Wrong" and "The Bomb," encapsulates Jo's belief in unbounded empathy as the key to transforming conflict. Jo's impactful message of hope resonates in international conferences and seminars on reconciliation, conflict resolution, and sustainable peace. She has shared her insights worldwide, from Lebanon to South Korea, contributing to panels, radio, and TV discussions. Her work has become a vital resource in peace studies and conflict transformation education globally. As a TEDx speaker and Visiting Fellow at the University of Nottingham, Jo's influence extends beyond speeches. She has crafted workshops on conflict resolution, difficult conversations, and navigating uncertainty, both in-person and virtually. Jo Berry's journey exemplifies the power of empathy in overcoming deep divisions and fostering understanding.

DR PATRICK MAGEE, Author and Public Speaker

Dr Patrick Magee was released from prison in 1999 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Shortly after his release, he completed a PhD examining the representation of Irish Republicans in ‘Troubles’ fiction. For 27 years he was a committed member of the IRA. In November 2000 he agreed to meet Jo Berry, whose father had been killed along with four others in the IRA’s attack on the Grand Hotel, Brighton in 1984. Since then they have met on more than 200 occasions, in Ireland, the UK and overseas. Although Pat carries the burden of knowing he had caused Jo profound hurt, they continue to explore their common humanity, recognising that war robs combatants of what it is to be human, of an essential capacity to empathise and to see the world through the eyes of others. Patrick Magee's memoir 'Where Grieving Begins - Building Bridges after the Brighton Bomb' was published by Pluto Press in 2021. 

DR. MUNA ISMAIL, Programme Manager Refugees as Re-Builders™, IofC UK

Dr Muna Ismail is the Programme Manager and team leader for Refugees as Re-Builders™ of Initiatives of Change UK. She is a plant scientist by training and an environmentalist interested in the ecosystem restoration of degraded arid land for sustainable livelihood regeneration. A former refugee herself, Muna’s vision has guided the development of the Refugees as Re-builders™ training programme since 2016. Muna completed her doctoral research at King’s College London and subsequently held visiting postdoc research at the School of Pharmacy, University College London and the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew. Muna is interested in arid land wild crops domestication and rural community land regeneration for food security in the Horn of Africa for sustainable livelihood. Muna is Founder of The Yeheb Project charity focused on regeneration and domestication of the yeheb plant, a hardy droughtresistant legume that is a source of food to both humans and livestock in the Horn of Africa.

ALHAMISS DICKO, President GEN-émergent, Mauritania

Alhamiss Dicko is the President of the GEN-émergent association in Mauritania. Alhamiss is developing new opportunities for refugees in Africa.

ANGELA STARAVOYTOVA, Facilitator & Coach, Foundations for Freedom

Angela Starovoytova is passionate about building connections between people and communities. Her expertise is in using non-formal education and participatory facilitation methods to create a safe and trusting environment where individuals and groups can find personal transformation and changed  relationships. Angela has 20 years of international experience organizing and running workshops/conferences/long-term programmes on such themes as ethical leadership, conflict-resolution, trust- and peacebuilding and critical thinking. She is one of the founders of Foundations for Freedom/Initiatives of Change (Ukraine), and has worked in Ukraine, UK, Switzerland, Germany and Uganda. 

RICHARD WERLY, Journalist - France & Europe correspondant for Blick

Richard Werly is the France and Europe correspondent for Blick, Switzerland's largest newspaper. He appears frequently in TV news programmes in France and Switzerland, and has been awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Republic. He is also senior strategic advisor to the Swiss Diplo Foundation, which aims to improve global governance and international policy development, especially by increasing the power of small and developing states to influence their own futures.

CAROLINE VUILLEMIN, General Director Fondation Hirondelle

Caroline Vuillemin has been General Director of Fondation Hirondelle since 1 January , 2017. Fondation Hirondelle is a Swiss non-profit organisation founded in 1995, which provides information to populations facing crises, empowering them to take action in their daily lives and as citizens. Her career reflects a commitment to international development in the field of good governance, democratic participation and access to information. She joined Fondation Hirondelle in December 2003. Committed to helping public-interest media, including radio, meet the economic, governance and technological transformation challenges they face, she is a board member of the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD). Prior to Fondation Hirondelle, she worked for the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), where she took part in numerous electoral observation missions in Africa. Caroline holds a bachelor's degree from the Institut d'études politiques de Lyon, complemented by a degree in international relations from Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

SARAH NOBLE, Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Sarah Noble is the Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation. She is passionate about showcasing people's stories about how we build peace with each other and the planet. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience and has held leadership positions at international organisations focused on peacebuilding, humanitarian issues, and independent media. Sarah is co-founder and curator of the Peace Talks at Interpeace and also served as Director of External Relations at The New Humanitarian, a non-profit newsroom that puts quality, independent journalism at the service of the millions of people affected by humanitarian crises around the world. In her TEDx talk, Storytelling is Our Real-Life Superpower, she invites us to embrace this ability to take on the existential issues of our time and create a better future.

MARK GOYDER, Founder Director of Tomorrow’s Company

Marc Goyder is the Founder and Director of Tomorrow's Company, a London-based think-tank focusing on rediscovering the human purposes of business.

ANTOINE JAULMES, Consultant in business ethics, corporate management and corporate social responsibility

Antoine Jaulmes is a graduate engineer from Mines ParisTech. He worked for 35 years at Peugeot SA, where he held several management positions, including eight years as Director of the global platform for commercial vehicles and cooperation projects.With a long experience in industrial and R&D management positions, he is now a consultant in business ethics, corporate management and corporate social responsibility, and he also leads the Initiatives of Change Business & Economy Programme. Since his youth he has been concerned about the tragedy of extreme poverty in the world and by the prospect of planetary exhaustion in the face of world population growth. He now works to help business leaders take all their stakeholders, near and far, into account and to steer their companies towards serving humanity’s needs. He chaired the board of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation from 2012 to 2018.

SIDRA RASLAN, Creative Leadership & HP Amplify Impact Partner Sustainability Programme

Sidra Raslan from Syria is the Co-coordinating manager of Creative Leadership, a Caux Initiatives of Change initiative for young leaders that organises programmes focused on reconceptualizing leadership through dialogue and storytelling. Sidra also volunteers on topics of refugees rights and inclusion, inner development, and youth empowerment. Sidra holds a masters degree in environmental, economic and social sustainability from UAB and works at HP on their partner sustainability programme.

DR IRINA FEDORENKO-AULA, Researcher, Serial Green Tech Entrepreneur

Dr Irina Fedorenko-Aula is a researcher and a serial green tech entrepreneur working on nature-based solutions. She is a steering group member at Initiatives of Land Lives and Peace, a programme of IofC International. She previously served as a Managing Director of Caux Dialogue on Environment and Security.  Irina co-founded the first tree-planting drone company and ran ecosystem restoration projects in Asia and Africa. She is a co-founder at Flying Forests that uses technology to empower local communities and Vlinder that develops Social Blue Carbon projects. Irina is an expert on carbon sequestration, having obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Oxford as a recipient of the Weidenfeld-Hoffman Trust Scholarship. In Oxford, she mentors young climate activists and entrepreneurs, who want to work on the interplay of people, technology and sustainability. 

CHRISTOPH SPRENG, Advisor to the Standing Comittee CINGO

Christoph Spreng, Switzerland, has been representing Initiatives of Change at the Council of Europe since 2006 and in his role has been entrusted a large variety of specific assignments. He was Vice-President of CINGO until April 2024 and was asked to continue his work at CINGO as Advisor to the Standing Comittee. Christoph is also the coordinator of the INGO Dialogue Toolkit Hub. In June 2017 he was appointed INGO Special Advisor for Human Rights and Business and has been representing CINGO at the CoE North-South Centre since 2018.

At the occasion of 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe, Christoph Spreng has helped his colleagues to organise this 10th edition of World NGO Day as their contribution as representatives from and in Europe to a global event that wants to treasure the civic space and show its potential at a time when this space is so challenged.

DR LAURIE JOHNSTON, Professor of Theology, Emmanuel College, Boston/USA

Dr Laurie Johnston is Professor of Theology at Emmanuel College in Boston where she teaches courses on social ethics. She is the author or editor of works on peacebuilding, reconciliation, and just war theory and most recently edited a journal issue on the thought of Jacques Maritain and contemporary challenges to democracy. She also serves as the Executive Vice President of the Sant'Egidio Foundation for Peace and Dialogue. She first visited Caux in 1999.

ELIZABETH LASKAR, Programme Manager Creators of Peace IofC UK, Facilitator & Trainer

Elizabeth Laskar is a Creators of Peace facilitator and trainer, and a mindfulness practitioner. Since 2021, she has been part-time programme manager with Initiatives of Change UK and joint National Coordinator of Creators of Peace UK. From 2004 to 2014, she advocated for justice in the sustainable fashion sector. She holds a master's in shelter and disaster, led the Oxford Human Rights Festival (2019-2021), and volunteers as Treasurer of the Oxford Fair Trade Coalition. She loves cooking and hospitality.

RUKMINI IYER, Founder of Exult! Solutions

Rukmini Iyer is the founder of Exult! Solutions and integrates leadership development, organisational transformation, and peacebuilding. With over 23 years of experience, she emphasises ecocentrism, dialogue, and conscious leadership. She is a Creators of Peace facilitator and also leads governance on the CoP International Committee and has master's degrees in Organisational Psychology and Business Management. Rukmini has received multiple awards, including the Soularize Award (2023) and Vital Voices Visionaries Fellow (2022). Her interests include nature art, space fiction, and philosophy.

MIRANDA SHAW, Programme Manager Initiatives of Change UK

Miranda Shaw has been a programme manager with Initiatives of Change UK since 2021 and is a facilitator and trainer with Creators of Peace. She currently volunteers as Treasurer for Creators of Peace International. She has been involved with Creators of Peace since 2011 and been one of the UK National Coordinators since 2016. She graduated with a degree in Conflict Resolution from the University of Bradford in 2009 and since then has been involved in climate and housing activism, personal development work, catering large community events, and supporting activists fighting illegal deportations from the UK. She has taught the violin and managed a community cafe until 2021. She loves to dance and spends as much time as possible reading and gardening. 

JANE NAMURYE, Facilitator, UK/South Sudan

Jane Namurye from the UK/South Sudan is a facilitator is passionate about peace and reconciliation work. She iskeen in reaching out to women and enable them to become peacemakers in their own contexts. Her international and local involvement in pursuit for peace has enabled her to connect and network with many peace loving women in her country South Sudan and internationally.

KEREN LEWIS, Artist & Art Psychotherapist

Keren Lewis is an Artist and Art Psychotherapist and member of Women on the Front Line, an initiative which supports women living and working in conflict environments. She has co-led retreats and training in South Sudan, DRC, Melanesia and India with a particular emphasis on enabling creative and therapeutic spaces. Keren has most recently been working as an Art Psychotherapist with homeless women and vulnerable children in London, all of whom have experienced complex trauma.

Previously Keren worked as part of the Community of St. Anselm at Lambeth Palace, a global community of young people, running art workshops, co-leading retreats and providing spiritual accompaniment. Alongside this, she worked as a multi disciplinary Artist in residence, providing contemplative work for their exhibition space in her mediums of printmaking, painting and fibre art. Keren also worked alongside refugee women at the British Red Cross's Destitution Centre in East London establishing a retreat and making space.

Keren's wider background includes a decade in international development; including reconciliation projects in Israel/Palestinian Territories and Southern Nigeria, rapid recovery programming in South Sudan supporting local communities to build on existing local systems for implementing projects, as well as seeking opportunities to provide creative classes and projects for local children.

MUSIC

JEAN-MARC VIGNOLI, Violonist

Jean-Marc Vignoli is a musician and lives in France. After training as both a violinist and an engineer, and a long career in industry, he (re)discovered the path to his own creative expression. For the last ten years or so, he has been living and sharing the mysteries of sound, improvisation and creativity and has also recorded several CDs. Jean-Marc Vignoli describes himself as a 'tailor-made' violinist. The music he plays is inspired by the message, the mood and the moment in which it takes place. Having become aware of the therapeutic dimension of music, he has turned his attention to the dimension of sound that soothes, relieves and harmonises, helping to transform and heal the human being in intimate contact with nature. 

• 15 July, 16:00 CEST: Opening Ceremony Caux Democracy Forum - Main Hall (4th floor), Caux Palace

NOLA KIN, Musician and Singer

Nola Kin is all about embracing her inner chaos and staying true to herself. The Zurich-based singer-songwriter brings raw energy to her performances. With a powerful voice and a unique guitar style, backed by a band that can range from four to seven members, including horn sections, she creates an electrifying atmosphere on stage. Nola Kin is an overthinker with a brain that does wild things, which mostly inspired her latest EP, „Mayhem“. Inspired by artists like Blake Mills, Bon Iver, and Dijon, her music blends Indie folk, soul, country, and Americana into a lush sound with attitude. For Nola Kin, music is therapy—a way to let go and be herself. From the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival to venues in Copenhagen, Nola Kin's performances have left audiences captivated. She is currently nominated for the "Artist Award" at the Swiss Music Awards, an honor reserved for exceptional musicians. This concert is organised with the support of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation. (photo: Andrin Fretz)

• 15 July, 16:00 CEST: Opening Ceremony Caux Democracy Forum - Theatre (4th floor), Caux Palace

HYUNG JOON WON, Violinist

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”.

17 July, 20:00 - 20:30, Caux Palace Theatre 

EXHIBITIONS

"ABOUT DEMOCRACY..." - CARTOONS BY PATRICK CHAPPATTE"

Press cartoons have become a recognised genre: inevitably subjective, they are artistic and journalistic representations of current events and reflect the artistic creativity of their creator, who uses drawing, typography and graphics to express his or her interpretation of the news in all its forms. The drawings on display at the Caux Palace showcase the wide range of Patrick Chappatte's artistic creativity. Patrick Chappatte was born in Pakistan in 1967 to a mother of Lebanese origin and a Swiss father. Published in the world's leading newspapers, he quickly made a name for himself with his incisive and caustic take on current affairs in Europe and around the world. He has worked for Le Temps, the NZZ, Der Spiegel, Le Canard enchaîné and The New York Times. He chairs the Freedom Cartoonist Foundation, inspired by Plantu and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kofi Annan, and is involved in a number of initiatives to promote peace and democracy around the world. The cartoons displayed at the Caux Palace reveal the full complexity of press cartoons and, more particularly, the humour and art of Patrick Chappatte! (photo: Matthieu Zellweger/cartoon: P. Chappatte)

• 15 - 27 July: Main Hall (4th floor), Caux Palace 

"VOYAGE EN TERRE HUMAINE" - AN EXHIBITION OF STONEWARE SCULPTURES BY SYLVIE ESQUERRÉ

Sylvie Esquerré's motto is: "Life is not as it is portrayed ... it is as you colour it!" After teaching mathematics, Sylvie Esquerré has been passionately devoting herself for over 10 years to wood and stoneware sculpture, two materials she often likes to combine. Various training courses with internationally-renowned ceramists such as Alberto Bustos, Stuart Williamson for modelling, Patrick Buté for research into high-temperature glazes and Anne Le Hénaff for raku have enabled her to develop her knowledge and practices, and choose her own artistic approach. She is particularly passionate about creating pieces that explore both organic and abstract forms, as well as original textures and finishes. In the future she hopes to continue perfecting her skills, to persevere in her experiments with oxides, enamels, engobes and terra sigillata, and to develop her communication skills to be able to better share her passion and her values.

• 9 July - 27 July: Salle Belle Epoque (4th floor)

"FAIRE LA PAIRES" - PHOTO EXHIBITION

Action-Parrainages and l'association suisse PAIRES work hand in hand to promote encounters and the creation of links between people seeking refuge in Switzerland and people from the host society. When paths cross, friendships are forged and life paths can change. In 2016 and 2017, in response to the growing influx of refugees, projects were launched to link people who had been living in Switzerland for a long time with families, young people, men and women in exile. The aim was to get to know each other, overcome prejudices, support new arrivals in their integration and start to build together this part of the country that we share, be it for a short or a long time.
Action-Parrainages and PAIRES (Projet pour l'Aide à l'Inclusion des Réfugiés-e-s en Suisse) have similar goals and are working together to achieve them. As a tribute to how far they have come, the travelling exhibition "Faire la PAIRES", organised with the support of Fonds lausannois pour l’intégration, unveils some of these pairs - people who have known each other for 3 years, 3 months or... 3 days.

• 9 July - 27 July: Belle Epoque (4th floor)

MAIN PARTNER ORGANISATIONS 

The organisation will leverage the expertise and diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds of members within the Initiatives of Change network, as well as strengthen and cultivate partnerships.

Partnership lies at the heart of the Caux Foundation's endeavors, with a commitment to fostering a collaborative and cooperative mindset that permeates Caux's culture, strategies, and operations.

The Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Office (OHCHR) works for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realise their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights exercises principal responsibility for UN human rights activities and is mandated to respond to serious violations of human rights and to undertake preventive action. The office was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 December 1993 in the wake of the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights.

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) represents Switzerland abroad. The FDFA protects Switzerland’s interests abroad and implements the Federal Council’s foreign policy. This involves fostering and expanding relations with neighbouring states and the EU. The FDFA also wants to improve its services for Swiss living abroad by modernising its technology.

The Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation is a Swiss private charitable foundation with its center for dialogue, the Caux Palace, in Caux, above Montreux, Switzerland. The Caux Palace has become a historic venue bringing together a diverse range of people to address the world’s political, economic and societal challenges together. Caux Initiatives of Change mission is to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organisations from around the globe to engage effectively and innovatively in the promotion of trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security. 

Initiatives of Change International is a voluntary, donation- and grant-funded nonprofit association of national legal bodies (national teams) and international programmes. Registered in Caux, Switzerland, they coordinate the world-wide Initiatives of Change people’s movement, uniting a community of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, who are committed to the transformation of society through changes in human motives and behaviour, starting with their own.

Initiatives of Change International have special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN (ECOSOC), participatory status at the Council of Europe as well as a seat at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY:

The Geneva Diplomatic Club is recognised as the official Club of International Geneva by the Swiss Confederation, the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the City of Geneva and the United Nations Office at Geneva. Its mission is to bring the international community together, stimulate links and exchanges, and contribute to the development of relations with the host state. Its 850 members are representative of the diversity of players in International Geneva (diplomats, international civil servants, directors of non-governmental organisations, Swiss personalities and businessmen).

Please find our full partner list including our co-creating and supporting partners below.

Participation Rates

Full Package with accommodation from 15 -19 July, 2024, including the Opening Ceremony.

• All inclusive | Accommodation in single occupancy room: CHF 660.-/person
• All inclusive | Accommodation in shared occupancy room: CHF 540.-/person
• Children from 6-14 | Accommodation shared with parents: CHF 280.-/person
• Children from 0-5 | Accommodation shared with parents: CHF.- 0/person

Event Package without accommodation

Full event package but accommodation not included: CHF 320;-/person

Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony Caux Democracy Forum | Includes dinner and concert. No accommodation: CHF 70.-/person

If you wish to attend only the Opening Ceremony of the Caux Democracy Forum (including dinner & concert), please register with the separate registration form.

Solidarity Fund

We have created a fund aimed at fostering true diversity of participants by providing support to those from the Global South or those facing economic challenges. Every contribution helps and we appreciate any additional amount you are able to give when paying via the registration form.

Prices mentioned, for single or shared accommodation, include :

• Accommodation in either shared or single room at the Caux Palace
• Participation in the Caux Democracy Forum
• Materials provided during the event
• Interpretation service and technical equipment
• Coffee and tea breaks as well as refreshments
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• VAT & City taxes

The package for participants without accommodation does not include breakfast nor the City Tax.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

The Caux Democracy Forum starts with the Opening Ceremony at the Caux Palace on Monday, 15 July at 16:00 CEST.

Attendees are asked to check in from 14:00pm on the 15 July. For participants who arrive early on 15 July and would like to drop off their luggage at the Caux Palace before official check-in times a luggage room will be available.

On the day of departure (19 July), the Forum will end after lunch. For organisational reasons and to prepare our spaces for other events will kindly request all participants to check out by 10:00 CEST on the day of departure and to leave the site by 14:00 CEST.

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Terms & Conditions 2024
• Practical Information for your stay at the Caux Palace
• Families with children at the Caux Democracy Forum 2024

QUESTIONS?

For further information, please get in touch BY EMAIL.

REGISTRATIONS FOR THE FULL RESIDENTIAL CAUX DEMOCRACY FORUM ARE NOW CLOSED.

IN CASE OF QUESTIONS YOU CAN REACH OUT TO US BY EMAIL.

YOU CAN STILL REGISTER FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CAUX DEMOCRACY FORUM.

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Initiatives of Change (IofC) is a world-wide movement of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, who are committed to the transformation of society through changes in human motives and behaviour, starting with their own. Many of the world’s problems – and their solutions – are rooted in human nature. Fear, hate, greed and indifference perpetuate injustice, poverty, conflict and environmental destruction. Yet it is also in human nature to be compassionate, courageous and creative. People can live the change they wish to see. Each person has something unique to contribute to building a just, peaceful and sustainable world. IofC focuses on the vital link between personal change and global change, and aims to inspire, support and equip people to play their part in building a better society.

At their centre for peacebuilding and dialogue, the Caux Palace, the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation prioritizes environmental responsibility and is committed to conscious handling of CO2 emissions, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly experience.

We also uphold a zero-tolerance policy to foster a safe and respectful environment for all attendees, actively working to prevent and address any inappropriate behavior during our events.

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Plenary Speakers & Contributors

9 July: Opening Ceremony

TATIANA VALOVAYA, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

Tatiana Valovaya is Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva. Ms. Valovaya has brought to the position over 35 years of extensive experience in journalism, diplomacy and government service.  She is currently Member of the Board and Minister in charge of integration and macroeconomics of the Eurasian Economic Commission, the executive body of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) which is responsible for implementing decisions, upholding the EEU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the Union. She began her career with the Government of the Russian Federation in 1989 and served in various capacities, including as the Third and Second Secretary at the Russian Permanent Mission to the European Union in Brussels (1989-1994) and Deputy Director and subsequently Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Russian Federation (1999-2012).  Before joining the Government of the Russian Federation, she worked as a reporter to “The Economic Gazette” in Moscow (1983-1989). Ms. Valovaya graduated from the Department of International Economic Relations of the Moscow Financial Institute, holds a Ph.D and a Doctorate of Economic sciences from the State Financial Academy, Moscow. She has written extensively on international monetary relations, European economic integration and economic cooperation with Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. (photo: UN Geneva)

AMBASSADOR CHRISTIAN GUILLERMET-FERNÁNDEZ, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva

Ambassador Christian Guillermet-Fernández is the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva. He has been a career diplomat in the Costa Rican foreign service since 1998 and, from April 2020 to June 2023, was appointed as Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs. He was Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations in New York (2019-2020), Director General of Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica (2016- 2018), Deputy Director General of Foreign Policy (2015-2016), Deputy Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva (2010- 2015), Deputy Permanent Representative and Political Coordinator during Costa Rica's membership in the Security Council at the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations in New York (2008-2009) and Director General of Foreign Policy after working with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and in Santiago, Chile as Regional Representative a.i. of the High Commissioner (2006-2008). During his diplomatic career, he worked as Chair-Rapporteur of the United Nations Open-ended Working Group on the Right to Peace, among others. In addition, he has collaborated extensively with different universities and think tanks and has written for prestigious peer-reviewed journals worldwide.

JACQUELINE COTÉ, President Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Jacqueline Coté was the Director of Public Relations and previously Head of Communications at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva from 2009 to 2021. In that role she was instrumental in building the new campus of the Institute, the Maison de la Paix, as a vibrant centre of conferences and seminars, thus solidifying the reputation and outreach of the Institute in International Geneva and beyond. Prior to that Ms Coté was the Permanent Representative to the UN of the International Chamber of Commerce and also served as Senior Advisor Advocacy & Partnerships to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.  In the early part of her career, Ms Coté practiced as an international lawyer in Canada and Switzerland and held management positions with multinational companies SGS and DuPont. Jacqueline Coté believes that the global agenda can best be tackled by linking the public, private and non-profit sectors, and that dialogue and empathy are essential tools to achieve the sustainable development goals.  She recently trained as a mediator at Harvard Law School and joined the board of several associations to continue her engagement with International Geneva. Jacqueline Coté has Swiss, Canadian and British nationalities, is a member of the Bar of Quebec and has two grown-up children who share her passion about tackling today’s global challenges in their areas of work.

LOUISE LE GAT, President of A Purpose-led World

Louise Le Gat is the Founder of A Purpose-Led World And School. As an activist, she is a strong advocate of the new economy that is emerging based on the long term well-being of people and planet. And is part of the purpose-driven movement that is pioneering, experimenting and reshaping how we do business, work and leadership to meet these unprecedented times. As a speaker, educator and catalyst, she supports with her Purpose-Led Method, a new generation of leaders to actualise their purpose - by evolving the world being uniquely themselves and channelling that through their personal purpose, future-fit work and next generation leadership. With 23 years experience in Transformation, Career And Leadership Development, she is a regular Curriculum Designer and Facilitator on Acceleration Programmes, Sustainability Incubators and In-Depth Transformational Initiatives for High Potential Corporate Leaders, Social Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs. This has included clients like Nestle, Nespresso, Zurich Foundation, Allen & Overy LLP, Adobe, SAP, Cotty (now Wella) and also working with The Global Fund, Interpeace, The Impact Hub and UNICEF. She is a certified NLP Coach, RAPSI Counsellor and Mediator. Her first career was as a lawyer in a leading Law Firm in the City of London. She was recognised through the ICF Prism Award for outstanding coaching as part of Nestle's external Coaching Faculty.

IGNACIO PACKER, Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Ignacio Packer was appointed as Executive Director of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation in May 2023. Until March 2023, he served as Executive Director of ICVA, the global consortium of humanitarian NGOs. ICVA is a global network of non-governmental organisations whose mission is to make humanitarian action more principled and effective by working collectively and independently to influence policy and practice. Ignacio has over 30 years of experience in humanitarian work and development issues. He served a five-year term as Secretary General of the Terre des Hommes International Federation, and previously worked for the Terre des Hommes Foundation, the Swiss Tropical Institute, the European Association for Development and Health, Medecins Sans Frontieres, KPMG and the European Bank for Latin America. He is an expert on human rights and social issues. He has been strongly engaged in global advocacy on protection frameworks for migrants and refugees with a particular focus on children and youth. Passionate for long-distance challenges, he is also an enthusiastic ultra-trail runner.

JAN ARTEM HENRIKSSON, Executive Director Inner Development Goals 

Jan Artem Henriksson is the Executive Director of the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) – a global initiative that develops inner abilities, skills and other qualities for people and organizations to contribute to a more sustainable global society. He also initiated ‘MindShift: Growth that Matters’ – a global conference bringing academia, public sector and business together to focus on the link between human growth and sustainable development. In the past, Jan has been a public speaker and adviser for several global organizations and governments, and he also founded two companies: 1) Self Leaders – a Nordic leadership development company that has put 70 000+ people through leadership development programs and, 2) Relate – a relationship building app and thought leader for healthy relationships. Jan is also a faculty member and senior lecturer at Stockholm School of Economics Executive Education and a board member at Ekskaret Foundation.

RAJMOHAN GANDHI, Historian, biographer, former President of Initiatives of Change International

• Rajmohan Gandhi is a historian, biographer and former President of Initiatives of Change International. He was born in 1935 and has worked as a journalist, writer, politician and professor of political science. Rajmohan Gandhi is unique in that he is both one of Mahatma Gandhi's grandsons and a grandson of C. Rajagopalachari, an Indian National Congress leader and the only Indian to have served as Governor General of India (from 1948 to 1950). Like Gandhi and Rajagopalachari, Rajmohan Gandhi is committed, including in politics, to a peaceful democracy with integrity and respect for the dignity of every individual. He is the author of numerous works on the figures of the struggle for Indian independence, the drama of the partition of India and the relations between Hindus and Muslims.

DANIEL CLEMENTS, Teacher & Programme Manager Creative Leadership

Daniel Clements is the Programme Manager of Creative Leadership, an international team born from within the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation. Creative Leadership organises conferences and storysharing programmes based on the belief that we first need to change ourselves in order to generate change within society and authentic leadership. He works as a Maths teacher in the UK with a degree in Mathematics and Physics. Daniel is driven by the conviction that the absence of virtues and values is one of the reasons behind the social and moral decline that the world is witnessing.

ASMAA SLEEM, Educator, Storyteller and Founder of Lifelong Learning Talks

Asmaa Sleem is an Egyptian educator, storyteller, and lifelong learner. She is actively engaged in spreading awareness, fostering inner development, and promoting togetherness. Asmaa is part of the organising team behind the youth-led programme Creative Leadership and is the founder of the Lifelong Learning Talks in Egypt. With postgraduate degrees in teaching methodologies and social sciences, Asmaa focuses on youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and creative leadership. She serves as Vice-President of the Association for World Education (AWE) and has corporate experience in marketing research, notably co-founding and co-leading 'Nielsen Cares' Egypt. Asmaa's work encompasses education, development, CSR, SDGs, and peacebuilding, both locally and internationally, while she pursues further studies in positive psychology and community psychology.

STEVEN LIN, Community Organizer

Steven Lin is passionate about empowering youth to achieve their goals through capacity building, self reflection and soft skill development. Steven has spent the last decade working with various nonprofits to tackle SDG 4 quality education. Some examples include his work with the Alberta Mentorship Program, providing high school students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills or working at the Terra Centre to help teen parents advocate for themselves and for policy and system change. In addition to that, Steven has been engaged with young leaders globally through Creative Leadership as well as Global Shapers to support young professionals in tackling local issues in their community. Steven follows the model of Servant and Authentic leadership in his daily practice. Steven was recognized for his work by Alberta Council for Global Cooperation and named one of Alberta’s Top 30 under 30.

ANDREW STALLYBRASS, Caux Palace Historian

Together with his wife Eliane, Andrew Stallybrass has been involved in the work of Initiatives of Change for many years and in many capacities, including conference organisation, the work weeks and communications. His extensive knowledge of the history of the Caux Palace makes him the perfect person for a guided tour through the building and the gardens.

MODERATOR:

SARAH NOBLE, Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Sarah Noble is the Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation. She is passionate about showcasing people's stories about how we build peace with each other and the planet. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience and has held leadership positions at international organisations focused on peacebuilding, humanitarian issues, and independent media. Sarah is co-founder and curator of the Peace Talks at Interpeace and also served as Director of External Relations at The New Humanitarian, a non-profit newsroom that puts quality, independent journalism at the service of the millions of people affected by humanitarian crises around the world. In her TEDx talk, Storytelling is Our Real-Life Superpower, she invites us to embrace this ability to take on the existential issues of our time and create a better future.

Plenary 10 July - Conscious Food Systems (SDG 2)

ETIENNE CAUDAUX, Livestock Farmer, Advocate for animal and farmer welfare, Mayor of Première, Switzerland

Etienne Caudaux has been the mayor of Première, a village in the Nord-Jura Vaudois district of Switzerland, for 20 years. A dedicated livestock farmer, he runs the family farm and advocates for animal and farmer welfare, promoting a local, sustainable agriculture model. For over 30 years, he has been active in the Farmers' Dialogue, an international network of farmers under Initiatives of Change, focusing on the connection between personal change and sustainable agricultural development. His leadership and commitment to environmentally respectful farming have made him a respected and inspiring figure in his community.

KHULAN BERGER, Regional Director Romandie/Switzerland, MyBluePlanet

Khulan Berger is passionate about environmental stewardship and empowering communities. Her multicultural experiences across Mongolia, Singapore, and Switzerland have shaped her resilient approach and entrepreneurial mindset. Leveraging her expertise in Sustainable Business from Business School Lausanne in Switzerland and her background in Electrical Computer Engineering from Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Singapore with certifications in Creating innovation and Design Thinking for Innovation, she realizes her professional career. In her role as Regional Director Romandie at MYBLUEPLANET, she leads a team to co-develop and implement sustainable initiatives such as ClimateLab, ClimateAction4Companies and P3C: Climate Collaboration Catalyst. Furthermore, as National Coordinator for the Climate Reality Project Europe, she forges strategic partnerships towards concrete impact.

MODERATORS:

NADENE CANNING, Coach and Facilitator

After 20 years managing large projects in industry, sustainable development, and technology in 45 countries, Nadene Canning created a boutique consulting agency. Today her strategic foresight and laser focus supports leaders to navigate strategic imperatives that accelerate possibility and impact. In 2012 the book she wrote La force le l’Équilibre - Vie familiale, vie professionnelle which led to a decade of teaching and consulting on leadership, management, systems thinking, change and negotiation. In 2019 Nadene was one of 400 facilitators selected from 10’000 applicants to train with Dr Brené Brown and believes that the four skills sets of building courage in the Dare to Lead™ program is at the cutting edge of leadership thinking. Nadene is part of the IDG Global Coordination Team and a member of the core team of the IDG Lemanic Network. For the past 2 years Nadene has had the privilege to design and co-host monthly IDG Global Practitioner Network sessions, bringing together many of the 700 practitioners to learn, share their challenges, be inspired, and make sustainable impact. 

CHARLOTTE DUFOUR, Conscious Food Systems Alliance 

Charlotte Dufour works for the Conscious Food Systems Alliance and has been working on food systems and nutrition for over two decades, with NGOs (Action Contre la Faim, Groupe URD), with the UN FAO for 12 years, and with various organisations as a consultant since 2017 (SUN Secretariat; 4SD/Food Systems Summit Dialogue Support Team). She worked primarily in Afghanistan and sub-Saharan Africa, before working at global level. She is also an instructor of Ananda Yoga and meditation and co-founded the NGO Listening Inspires. She presently lives in Burgundy, France, where she and her husband are creating a retreat center.

Plenary 11 July - A more climate-friendly lifestyle (SDG 13)

LAILA MARTINS, United Nations & IDG Programme Processes Lead - Brazil

Laila Martins' life mission is dedicated to nurturing intersectional sustainable and regenerative practices within businesses, communities, cities, institutions and economies at large. With a solid foundation in International Relations and an MBA focusing on Sustainable Development and Circular Economy, Laila's international experiences across Brazil, the U.S., and Germany have sharpened her skills in crafting processes and solutions for both the Global South and North. For 5+ years, she led large-scale global IT projects at major corporations like DHL. Her notable achievements include leading a program to develop a global IT infrastructure that enabled the capture, calculation, and analysis of data across 5 regions to assess carbon emissions within the global logistics supply chain. Laila's strategy integrates cutting-edge technology with sustainability principles to drive significant change. Believing in the transformative power of personal growth, Laila utilises the Inner Development Goals framework as a communication tool to assist individuals globally in acquiring the necessary skills to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. She is an advocate for youth empowerment since her AIESEC days, supporting Youth for Ecocide Law and mentoring through Brazil's Youth Climate Leaders (YCL). Her work is also focused on creating a network among experts in climate, sustainability, urban planning, public policy, impact investing, corporate strategy, regenerative evaluation, and the arts. This effort is aimed at fostering regenerative projects that not only provide livelihoods but also contribute to the emergence of a regenerative economy.

ELISE BUCKLE, President & CEO of Climate & Sustainability, International Gender Champion, Co-chair of the climate impact group

Elise Buckle is a globally recognized expert who has been working in the field of climate and sustainability for over 20 years. She is CEO of Climate & Sustainability, Co-Founder of SHE Changes Climate, Founder and Network Lead of SHE Changes Climate Switzerland. She has been nominated as International Gender Champion (IGC) since early 2023 and is now the Co-Chair of the IGC Climate and Gender Impact Group. Elise has a strong track record of building successful global alliances to deliver positive impacts for climate, people and nature, including the Planetary Emergency Partnership, the Nature-Based Solutions Coalition hosted by the UN, the Leaders Pledge for Nature and the G7/G20 Summit alliances for sustainable finance. She has French and Swiss citizenship and is also a leadership mentor and teaches sustainability and entrepreneurship at the Glion Institute of Excellence in Hospitality.

LEWIS CARDINAL, Leader 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.

MODERATORS:

IGNACIO PACKER, Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Ignacio Packer was appointed as Executive Director of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation in May 2023. Until March 2023, he served as Executive Director of ICVA, the global consortium of humanitarian NGOs. ICVA is a global network of non-governmental organisations whose mission is to make humanitarian action more principled and effective by working collectively and independently to influence policy and practice. Ignacio has over 30 years of experience in humanitarian work and development issues. He served a five-year term as Secretary General of the Terre des Hommes International Federation, and previously worked for the Terre des Hommes Foundation, the Swiss Tropical Institute, the European Association for Development and Health, Medecins Sans Frontieres, KPMG and the European Bank for Latin America. He is an expert on human rights and social issues. He has been strongly engaged in global advocacy on protection frameworks for migrants and refugees with a particular focus on children and youth. Passionate for long-distance challenges, he is also an enthusiastic ultra-trail runner.

SIDDHARTH SINGH (India), Director of the Initiatives of Change centre Asia Plateau

Siddharth Singh is the Director of the Initiatives of Change centre Asia Plateau in Panchgani, India. He is a facilitator, coach, designer and traveler. In 2001, Siddharth co-founded ‘Paradigms Unlimited’, a business leadership-consulting firm, committed to working with people to create personal and organisational transformation. His personal vision is to see a world that works for everyone and not just a privileged few and hopes to use his life working towards this idea. He believes he is a student of life and nature, and believes that most of the important lessons lie in how nature works.

Plenary 12 July: Cultivating Peaceful Societies - Embracing Conscience, Peace and Love (SDG 16)

DR ELIF KUS SAILLARD, Sociologist & Methodologist, Founder of NAM

Dr. Elif Kuş Saillard, a sociologist and methodologist, is a scientist of "understanding." With over two decades of expertise in qualitative methodologies and Computer Aided Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS), she founded the NAM Qualitative Research Center in Istanbul in 2013, training many social science researchers globally. Dr. Saillard developed the "Meaningful Experience Model" to help organizations and individuals cultivate meaningful experiences. Her pioneering "Understanding Leadership" program unlocks the superpower of understanding, promoting consensus and overcoming polarization. Through this work, she aims to contribute to a sustainable future by helping people enhance their understanding, fostering a more connected and harmonious world.

INES MOKDADI (Tunisia), University Professor of English, ISEAH & Creative Leadership Youth Initiative

Ines Mokdadi is a University Agrégée Professor of English at ISEAH in Tunisia and specializes in Applied Linguistics. Her research focuses on critical discourse analysis and power dynamics. She also works as a freelance translator and interpreter and has served as a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Alumna at the University of Notre Dame, USA (2020-2021). In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Ines is deeply passionate about civic engagement, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding. She volunteers as the Lead Content Strategist for the Creative Leadership team, dedicating her free time to youth-based causes. Furthermore, she recently expanded her involvement by joining the faculty of IofC UK as a trainer for the Refugees for Re-Builders (RRB) programme, demonstrating her commitment to supporting refugees and promoting community rebuilding efforts on a broader scale.

ELIZABETH LASKAR, Programme Manager Creators of Peace IofC UK, Facilitator & Trainer

Elizabeth Laskar is a Creators of Peace facilitator and trainer, and a mindfulness practitioner. Elizabeth is a Creators of Peace Circles facilitator and joint National Coordinator of Creators of Peace UK. She began her journey with Creators of Peace in 2010 and since 2021, she has also been working with Initiatives of Change UK. From 2004 to 2014, she advocated for justice in the sustainable fashion sector. She holds a master's in shelter and disaster, led the Oxford Human Rights Festival (2019-2021), and volunteers as Treasurer of the Oxford Fair Trade Coalition. She loves cooking and hospitality.

LETLAPA MPHAHLELE, Former commander of a South African liberation army, Peace Activist, former Member of Parliament

Letlapa Mphahlele is a former commander of a South African liberation army during apartheid times. His passion was such that he ordered high profile retaliatory massacres on white civilians. But after a radical transformation he now sees the whole of humanity as ‘My People’. Letlapa is the main protagonist in the award-winning film ‘Beyond Forgiving’, and was formerly an opposition Member of the South African Parliament.

MODERATOR:

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

Sarah Noble is the Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation. She is passionate about showcasing people's stories about how we build peace with each other and the planet. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience and has held leadership positions at international organisations focused on peacebuilding, humanitarian issues, and independent media. Sarah is co-founder and curator of the Peace Talks at Interpeace and also served as Director of External Relations at The New Humanitarian, a non-profit newsroom that puts quality, independent journalism at the service of the millions of people affected by humanitarian crises around the world. In her TEDx talk, Storytelling is Our Real-Life Superpower, she invites us to embrace this ability to take on the existential issues of our time and create a better future.

Plenary 13 July: Partnership Accelerator (SDG 17)

PONTUS HOLMGREN (Sweden), Psychologist, Facilitator and Global Coordinator of the IDG Hubs and Networks

Pontus Holmgren is a licensed psychologist and a trained UrbanTantra breath guide. He is an organsiational transformation facilitator and an actor, conductor and teacher in improvised Playback theatre. Pontus has worked with leadership, teams, cross collaboration  and transformational processes in a multitude of organisations and communities globally since the mid 1990s. Currently focusing on the need for inner development for individuals and for the collective in order deal with the current and future complex challenges of humanity. Pontus has been part of the IDG journey from the start and is a co-coordinator for the global community of Hubs and networks of the Inner Development Goals.

JOHN BOND, Journalist & Author, Initiatives of Change

John Bond lives in Oxford, England, and has worked with Initiatives of Change in over 30 countries. For five years he coordinated the Caux Forum for Human Security. Previously he was the Secretary of Australia’s National Sorry Day Committee, which enlisted a million Australians in initiatives to overcome the harm done to Aboriginal Australians by cruel and misguided past policies. For this he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. He is also a writer. His most-recent book, a biography of Professor Jerzy Zubrzycki, known as 'the father of Australian multiculturalism', has been published in English and Polish.

MONA CALVET, Psycho-Sociologist and Transformation Facilitator & HER DAUGHTER

Mona Calvet is dedicated to fostering inner capacities for collective transformation using various methodologies. With a systemic and regenerative approach, she collaborates with change agents, young leaders, and groups to develop awareness-based inner change, break down silos, and cultivate collective intelligence. Her experience spans 9 years in various professional contexts, interdisciplinary studies in psychology, psycho-social intervention, organisational communication, 300+ hours of continuous training, and a 13+ years personal transformational journey. Mona aims to help people connect to self, others, and the living ecosystem, cultivating the soil needed for regenerative systems change.

GRANDMOTHER EJNA JEAN FLEURY, Tribal Peace Ambassador Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, South Dakota, Visionary & Ceremonialist

Grandmother Ejna Jean Fleury is an enrolled member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, South Dakota, and is their first Tribal Peace Ambassador. She is a Mystic, Visionary & Ceremonialist. She is the co-founder of Healing Hearts at Wounded Knee and the Wounded Knee Global Ceremonies to heal the multi-generational and multi-lineal effects of massacre, holocaust, and war upon humanity, other species, and our beloved planetary home. Grandmother Ejna has been practicing meditation for more than 40 years and is a certified meditation teacher and spiritual counselor. She is Commissioner at the Global Justice and Healing Commission and International Coordinator of Four Worlds Holistic Health Program for Elders & Leaders. She serves as a minister, healer, priestess, ceremonialist and a pipe carrier in the tradition of While Buffalo Calf Woman.

MODERATOR:

RAFAELA ROLIM (Brazil), Founder of Brazilian Experience & Facilitator

Rafaela Rolim aims to host safe spaces of exchange and learning that inspires people and organisations to co-create a better world. She is the founder of Brazilian Experience, with 18+ years of experience in program design, facilitating international learning journeys and human development projects. Rafaela is a IDG enthusiast and started the IDG Florianópolis HUB - Experiences in Nature. She is currently part of the Global Coordination Team for HUBs and Networks and also launched the first IDG Immersion, called ID-X I Inner Development Experiences.  Rafaela believes in the power of community to foster collaboration towards common goals, creating transformative impact beyond individual capacity. She is currently also the Co-chair of the Sustainability Interest Group of NAFSA (Association of International Educators) and Vice-President of the CANIE (Climate Action Network for International Educators) America´s Chapter.

MUSIC & CONCERTS

JEAN-MARC VIGNOLI, Violonist 

Jean-Marc Vignoli is a musician and lives in France. After training as both a violinist and an engineer, and a long career in industry, he (re)discovered the path to his own creative expression. For the last ten years or so, he has been living and sharing the mysteries of sound, improvisation and creativity and has also recorded several CDs. Jean-Marc Vignoli describes himself as a 'tailor-made' violinist. The music he plays is inspired by the message, the mood and the moment in which it takes place. Having become aware of the therapeutic dimension of music, he has turned his attention to the dimension of sound that soothes, relieves and harmonises, helping to transform and heal the human being in intimate contact with nature.

• 9 July, 14:30 CEST:  Opening Ceremony Caux Inner Development Goals Forum - Maison de la Paix, Geneva 

GÖKSU SANDIKCI QUINTET

Born in Istanbul, Göksu Sandıkçı's journey is a captivating blend of two worlds: the structured realm of Electronics Engineering and the soul-stirring realm of music. From her earliest days, she found herself drawn to melodies, serving as the lead singer in orchestras during her primary school years. It was there that her passion for music first took root, blossoming into a desire to explore the depths of jazz. In 2014, Göksu's jazz odyssey truly began when she attended Sibel Köse’s Jazz Workshop, marking the inception of a lifelong love affair with the genre. Fueling her ambition, she completed the Jazz Certificate Program at Bahcesehir University, solidifying her commitment and quest for musical excellence. This led her to traverse Europe, studying under the tutelage of esteemed jazz mentors. Each chord progression and improvisation became a brushstroke on the canvas of her artistry, shaping her unique voice and style. Her thirst for knowledge and artistic growth has taken her across the globe, getting various education in Poland, Italy, the UK, and the USA. Göksu had opportunities to showcase her talent not only at prestigious jazz clubs and festivals in Turkey, but also international ones such as Veneto Jazz in Italy, Mau Mau in London, San Diego Art Museum and recently in jazz clubs of Switzerland. Now residing in Switzerland, Göksu brings her eclectic music taste to the forefront, blending jazz standards with elements of funk, blues, R&B, and soul. As she takes the stage in Caux, her music will accompany the softness of the sunset. (photo Göksu: Iremnur Demir Esen)

Göksu (vocals) will be performing together with four talented musicians: Valentin Conus (sax), Pablo Klopfenstein (piano), Latyr Boyle (double bass), Gabriel Deloffre (Drums)

• 12 July 20:00 CEST : Caux Palace, Main Hall - Bay Window

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

"TERRA HUMANA - EXPLORING HUMANITY" -  AN EXHIBITION OF STONEWARE SCULPTURES BY SYLVIE ESQUERRÉ

Sylvie Esquerré's motto is: "Life is not as it is portrayed ... it is as you colour it!" After teaching mathematics, Sylvie Esquerré has been passionately devoting herself for over 10 years to wood and stoneware sculpture, two materials she often likes to combine. Various training courses with internationally-renowned ceramists such as Alberto Bustos, Stuart Williamson for modelling, Patrick Buté for research into high-temperature glazes and Anne Le Hénaff for raku have enabled her to develop her knowledge and practices, and choose her own artistic approach. She is particularly passionate about creating pieces that explore both organic and abstract forms, as well as original textures and finishes. In the future she hopes to continue perfecting her skills, to persevere in her experiments with oxides, enamels, engobes and terra sigillata, and to develop her communication skills to be able to better share her passion and her values.

• 9 July - 27 July: Salle Belle Epoque (4th floor) - Vernissage: 11 July (16:00) - Dining Room

"PAIR-ing up" - PHOTO EXHIBITION BY ACTION-PARRAINAGES & PAIRES

Action-Parrainages and l'association suisse PAIRES work hand in hand to promote encounters and the creation of links between people seeking refuge in Switzerland and people from the host society. When paths cross, friendships are forged and life paths can change. In 2016 and 2017, in response to the growing influx of refugees, projects were launched to link people who had been living in Switzerland for a long time with families, young people, men and women in exile. The aim was to get to know each other, overcome prejudices, support new arrivals in their integration and start to build together this part of the country that we share, be it for a short or a long time.
Action-Parrainages and PAIRES (Projet pour l'Aide à l'Inclusion des Réfugiés-e-s en Suisse) have similar goals and are working together to achieve them. As a tribute to how far they have come, the travelling exhibition "Faire la PAIRES", organised with the support of Fonds lausannois pour l’intégration, unveils some of these pairs - people who have known each other for 3 years, 3 months or... 3 days.

• 9 July - 27July: Dining Room (2nd floor) - Vernissage: 11 July (16:00) - Dining Room

The Strategic Partnership

The Inner Development Goals Foundation is a non-profit organisation for inner development. The organisation researches, collects and communicates science-based skills and qualities that help us to live purposeful, sustainable, and productive lives, providing an essential framework of transformative skills for sustainable development. The Inner Development Goals Framework, open source and free for all to use, is fundamental in the work to reach the Sustainable Development Goals.

The organisation has stimulated the development of over 500 hubs and networks comprising groups of people and/or organisations supporting the Inner Development Goals Initiative.

The Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation is a Swiss private charitable foundation with its center for dialogue, the Caux Palace, in Caux, above Montreux, Switzerland. The Caux Palace has become a historic venue bringing together a diverse range of people to address the world’s political, economic and societal challenges together. 

Caux Initiatives of Change mission is to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organisations from around the globe to engage effectively and innovatively in the promotion of trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security. 

Initiatives of Change International is a voluntary, donation- and grant-funded nonprofit association of national legal bodies (national teams) and international programmes. Registered in Caux, Switzerland, they coordinate the world-wide Initiatives of Change people’s movement, uniting a community of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, who are committed to the transformation of society through changes in human motives and behaviour, starting with their own.

Initiatives of Change International have special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN (ECOSOC), participatory status at the Council of Europe as well as a seat at the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

PARTICIPATION RATES

Full Package with accommodation from 9 - 13 July, 2024, including the Opening Ceremony.

• All inclusive | Accommodation in single occupancy room: CHF 690.- /person
• All inclusive | Accommodation in shared occupancy room: CHF 570.-/person
• Children from 6-14 | Accommodation shared with parents: CHF 310.-/person
• Children from 0-5 | Accommodation shared with parents: CHF 0.-/person

Solidarity Fund

We have created a fund aimed at fostering true diversity of participants by providing support to those from the Global South or those facing economic challenges. Every contribution helps and we appreciate any additional amount you are able to give when paying via the registration form.

Prices mentioned, for single or shared accommodation, include :

• Accommodation in either shared or single room at the Caux Palace
• Participation in the Caux Inner Development Goals Forum
• Transfer after the Opening Ceremony on 9 July from Geneva to Caux
• Materials provided during the event
• Interpretation service and technical equipment
• Coffee and tea breaks as well as refreshments
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• VAT & City taxes

Event Package without accommodation

Full event package but no accommodation at the Caux Palace: CHF 350.- /person 

The package for participants without accommodation does not include breakfast nor the City Tax. It does include transfer from Geneva to Caux after the Opening Ceremony & dinner on 9 July at the Caux Palace

Opening Ceremony

The participation at the Opening Ceremony on 9 July at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva (14:30 - 17:00 CEST) is free! 

If you wish to attend only the Opening Ceremony, please register here on a separate registration form!

Arrival and Departure

The Caux IDG Forum will start with the Opening Ceremony in Geneva on Tuesday, 9 July (14:30 - 17:00 CEST). Attendees who have signed up for the full residential Caux IDG Forum are encouraged go straight to Geneva and travel up to Caux following the Opening Ceremony.

Information on transportation from Geneva to the Caux Palace will be communicated to all confirmed participants prior to the event.

For those who prefer to check in earlier or drop off luggage beforehand at the Caux Palace, our reception in Caux will be available from 10:00 CEST on 9 July, 2024. A safe luggage room will also be available at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva.

On the day of departure, the forum will end after lunch. For organisational reasons and to prepare our spaces for other events, we kindly request all participants to check out by 10:00 CEST on the day of departure and to leave the site by 14:00 CEST. Please note that a luggage room will be at your disposal until your departure after lunch.

Useful Information 

• General Terms & Conditions 2024
• Families with children at the Caux Inner Development Goals Forum 2024
• Practical Information for your stay at the Caux Palace

QUESTIONS?

For any further information, don't hesitate to reach out and contact us by EMAIL.

REGISTRATIONS FOR THE FULL RESIDENTIAL CAUX IDG FORUM ARE NOW CLOSED.

IN CASE OF QUESTIONS YOU CAN REACH OUT TO US BY EMAIL.

YOU CAN STILL REGISTER FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CAUX IDG FORUM.

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Initiatives of Change (IofC) is a world-wide movement of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, who are committed to the transformation of society through changes in human motives and behaviour, starting with their own. Many of the world’s problems – and their solutions – are rooted in human nature. Fear, hate, greed and indifference perpetuate injustice, poverty, conflict and environmental destruction. Yet it is also in human nature to be compassionate, courageous and creative. People can live the change they wish to see. Each person has something unique to contribute to building a just, peaceful and sustainable world. IofC focuses on the vital link between personal change and global change, and aims to inspire, support and equip people to play their part in building a better society.

At their centre for peacebuilding and dialogue, the Caux Palace, the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation prioritizes environmental responsibility and is committed to conscious handling of CO2 emissions, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly experience.

We also uphold a zero-tolerance policy to foster a safe and respectful environment for all attendees, actively working to prevent and address any inappropriate behavior during our events.