Building bridges between people

The start of a new year offers a valuable moment to refocus on what truly matters, what drives and inspires our work, and to explore how we can more effectively fulfill our mission as an organization and global network. From 9 to 18 January 2025, 130 members of the global Initiatives of Change (IofC) network from 35 countries gathered at the IofC centre Asia Plateau in India, to reflect on these questions and envision the road ahead.

Asia Plateau, 250 km south of Mumbai in the hills of Panchgani and far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offered the perfect location to come together, slow down, take time to reflect and to (re)connect with changemakers from all walks of life.

The vibrant gathering showcased the diversity of the activities, initiatives, and programmes driven by Initiatives of Change worldwide. These included youth educational programmes in Nepal and Nagaland, inspirational online meetings led by young people from Costa Rica and the U.S., trustbuilding efforts across continents, the peace circles of Creators of Peace, and the grassroots work of the Grampari initiative in India, among others.

"Strengthening the foundations of society"

Gerald Pillay (UK), President of Initiatives of Change International, set the tone with his powerful keynote address on 10 January. "What does it mean to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of today's society?" he asked, calling the audience to rediscover the purpose they stand for. He also emphasized the value of reflection and silence, one of the key elements of IofC’s methodology: "Listen to your inner voice. It's fundamental to quiet the crowded noise around us."

"Impacting by example and experience"

Jean Brown (Australia) of Creators of Peace and winner of the 2023 Trustbuilding Program Livetime Achiever Award, highlighted three key ingredients* to reinforce societal foundations: social cohesion, a renewed sense of shared humanity, and an eco-centred (as opposed to ego-centred) approach to living. "The strength of every society relies on its relationships," she observed, pointing out that the root of the word 'society' comes from the Latin word 'companionship'.

She then went on: "We live with unhealed fractures among us, diminishing our best efforts. As we start [change] with ourselves, we can impact by example and experience. Every act of honesty, compassion, restitution, forgiveness and unselfishness strengthens society. Recognizing, ‘I, too, was wrong,’ is a vital step. The history of Initiatives of Change is made up of stories of individuals making those choices. In our current world context of degradation, destruction and despair, we can stand for living otherwise - I call it the ‘Change starts with me’ alternative."

"Ordinary people have the key to change"

In a touching speech, Indian historian, journalist, former MP and grand-son of Mahatma Gandhi, Rajmohan Gandhi, reflected on the transformative power that lies in each of us. "It’s the ordinary people of the world that have the key to change," he affirmed. He also stressed the importance and need for dialogue in an increasingly polarised world: "Conversations and exchanges between opposing viewpoints are essential for a resilient society. There are places where such dialogues are unthinkable, but they remain crucial."

"Outward-looking and fostering meaningful connections"

Jacqueline Coté, President of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, urged for greater cross-national collaboration and shared insights into the Foundation's work in Switzerland. "To thrive as a movement, we must reach out to others. The Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation is outward-looking and committed to fostering meaningful connections and partnerships. One example is the Caux Forum, our flagship event taking place in July this summer, which will be organised with diverse partner organisations, including the Inner Development Goals Foundation, the OHCHR,  Initiatives of Change International, and others."

Former IofC USA Director Dick Ruffin encapsulated the essence of the gathering: "The question is: How do we build bridges between people? That is the centre of our work."

The global movement of Initiatives of Change is committed to building trust across the world’s divides. This summer's Caux Forum 2025, offers a unique opportunity to bring people together to find inspiration, develop skills to foster peace and trust, and connect with like-minded changemakers from around the world.

The forum’s two main events focus on inner development and the values essential for strengthening democracy in Europe and beyond:

• 8 – 12 July: Caux Democracy Forum
• 28 July – 1 August: Caux Inner Development Goals Forum

Be part of the conversation! Stay tuned for more and join us this summer in Caux!

* according to contemporary Scottish philosopher Iain McGillChrist

By Ulrike Ott Chanu