Mariana Tobón Almanza

Mariana Tobón Almanza holds a Bachelor's degree in International Hospitality and Business and is currently completing her Master's in Project and Finance Development at Vatel Switzerland. Originally from Colombia, her journey brought her to Switzerland in 2021, where she has been combining her international perspective with hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. Driven by a passion for people and a love for creating meaningful experiences, Mariana brings both warmth and professionalism to everything she does.

22 June 2026: Opening Ceremony Caux Democracy Forum - Programme

programme

Monday, 22 June

13:30 - 14:45
Amphitheatre - Maison de la Paix, Chemin Eugène Rigot 2, Geneva
OPENING SESSION

ABOUT THE EVENT

Bringing together leaders, practitioners and changemakers from diverse sectors and regions, the Opening Ceremony of the Caux Democracy Forum will spark reflection on the state of democracy today and illuminate pathways for renewal.

You will be introduced to the core themes driving the 5-day Caux Democracy Forum and to the journey that continues in Caux, where deeper dialogue, learning and collaboration will unfold throughout the week.

This opening moment is designed to create a vibrant shared space—a chance to reconnect, find inspiration and envision tangible possibilities for democratic transformation.

 

MUSIC

  • Lou RÉMY, Violin

 

MASTER OF CEREMONY: 

  • Sarah NOBLE, Head of Global Engagement, Creative Peacebuilding & Inner Development at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

 

WELCOME ADDRESS

  • Jacqueline COTÉ, President of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation 
  • Ambassador Tim ENDERLIN, Head of Peace and Human Rights Division, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

 

MUSIC

  • Lou RÉMY, Violin

 

WORDS OF WISDOM

"Ethics, responsibility and the future of democracy": A reflective leadership intervention offering long-term political insight

  • H.E. Yukio HATOYAMA, Former Prime Minister of Japan (2009–2010) 

 

MUSIC

  • Lou RÉMY, Violin

 

GLOBAL KEYNOTE PERSPECTIVES

High-level international leaders provide a global overview of democratic governance and human rights challenges.

With musical interludes by Lou Rémy.

  • Lieutenant Governor Ghazala F. HASHMI, Lieutenant Governor of the U.S. State of Virginia (USA) - Special video message (due to unforeseen scheduling circumstances)
  • Matjaž GRUDEN, Director for Democracy, Council of Europe
  • Peggy HICKS, Director of the Thematic and Special Procedures Division of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

 

14:45 - 15:00
MUSICAL & ARTISTIC INTERLUDE

With:

  • Sveinung NYGAARD, Composer & Musician
  • Lisa YASKO, Musician and a Member of Parliament of Ukraine

15:00 - 16:30
THE INNER DIMENSION OF DEMOCRACY

This session shifts the focus to the human, cultural, and psychological foundations that sustain democratic life. 

Co-Moderators:

  • Ignacio PACKER, Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation 
  • Sidra RASLAN, Co-Founder Creative Leadership youth initiative & HP Amplify Impact Partner Sustainability Program Support and Community Lead  

 

PART 1: Youth and Democracy

A conversation with young leaders from around the globe.

 

MUSIC

  • Lou RÉMY, Violin

 

PART 2: Linking Inner and Outer Transformation: Bridging Mindset, Behaviour, Culture, and System Change 

An exploration of how sustainability and democracy require transformations across individual and collective beliefs, values, worldviews, and the inner capacities that shape them. 

With: 

  • Christine WAMSLER, Professor, Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS)

 

MUSIC

  • Lou RÉMY, Violin

 

PART 3: A conversation on participative democracy 

An interactive dialogue highlighting citizen engagement and participatory governance models. 

With: 

  • Christine LUTRINGER, Executive Director & Senior Researcher, Albert Hirschmann Institute on Democracy - Graduate Institute Geneva 
  • Marie HÜRLIMANN, Co-Director, Foraus – Swiss Forum on Foreign Policy 

 

MUSIC

  • Lou RÉMY, Violin

 

PART 4:  Women Revitalising Democracy: Economy, Trustbuilding, and Humanitarian Principles

With:

  • Ai SASAKI, Chairperson, Asia Women Leaders Forum (AWLF)  

Women at the heart of democratic economies 
This intervention highlights the role of women’s leadership, inclusive economic models, and cross-regional cooperation in strengthening democratic resilience. 

  • Talia SMITH, Trustbuilding Program Manager, on behalf of Initiatives of Change International, award winner of the 2026 Luxembourg Peace Prize

Strengthening democracy through Trustbuilding  
A focus on how Trustbuilding approaches can foster inclusive societies, rebuild civic trust, and support democratic participation. 

  • Elisabeth DECREY WARNER, Founder and former Executive President, Geneva Call & Director of The Geneva Conventions' World Tour

Reactivating humanitarian principles: The Geneva Convention’s World Tour 
As the Geneva Conventions face growing challenges, this global initiative mobilizes civil society through a symbolic torch journey to raise awareness, strengthen democratic accountability, and reaffirm humanitarian principles and human dignity. 

 

CLOSING REMARKS

  • Ignacio PACKER, Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation 
  • Sidra RASLAN, Co-Founder Creative Leadership youth initiative & HP Amplify Impact Partner Sustainability Program Support and Community Lead  

 

MUSIC

  • Lou RÉMY, Violin

16:30 - 17:00
REFRESHMENTS

A short coffee break with be offered at the end of the Opening Ceremony.

16:45 / 16:55 - 18:30
TRANSFER TO CAUX & CHECK-IN

For participants of the Caux Democracy Forum who have booked:

  • the full residential forum (22 - 26 June)
  • the 2-Night Caux Experience
  • participation at the Reimagining Democracy(ies) programme for young leaders

 

The bus journey from Geneva to the Caux Palace in buses, departing at 16:45 and 16:55 will be the opportunity, beyond the logistical travel, to connect people in the bus and inform on Caux as part of the International Geneva ecosystem offering a place to step back from daily institutional pressures and engage in deeper conversations on democracy, leadership, and human responsibility.

Please note that the bus transfer is included in bookings for all participants of the 2-Night Caux Experience and the full residential Caux Democracy Forum. 

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For those travelling by car: For those arriving from Geneva/Lausanne/Vevey, please make sure to adjust your GPS route passing by « Clarens » or « Montreux Gare ». Do not take the automatic recommendation going by « Les Avants » as this will take you through a longer curvy mountain road and the ride is much longer and complicated.  

Free parking spots are available in front of the Caux Palace, near the station or near the tennis court. 

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Early arrivals: You can book 1 extra night (arrival Sun 21 June) before the Caux Democracy Forum starts. Your rooms will be available from 14:00 CEST onwards. Should you wish to arrive earlier, you can store your luggage in the reception area. (info for early arrivals)

Discover more practical information for your stay in Caux

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