Our Annual Report 2021 now available!

2021 was a challenging year. It became clear that Covid-19 was not a flash in the pan – and that its economic, social and ecological effects would be devastating. Online communication facilitated connection across the world, but also increased propaganda bubbles and political polarization. As 2022 unfolds, democracy is under threat in many countries, war rages in Ukraine and elsewhere, food and energy prices are soaring. Meanwhile the climate crisis escalates.  

Such windows of disruption are the moments when change is inevitable, and we must learn to adapt. Initiatives of Change Switzerland responded to the challenges of 2021 by bringing people together virtually both to honour the past and to chart new courses into the future. 

This is a time for rebuilding, just as in 1946, when the Caux Palace opened its doors as a conference centre for change and reconciliation. We celebrated our 75th anniversary throughout the year, posting 75 stories of transformation on our website and hosting a kaleidoscope of arts events.  

The Caux Forum 2021 took place largely online, with some hybrid events. It opened with a memorable panel on Swiss Perspectives on Peace: Past, Present and Future. The Creative Leadership conference led a global audience from ‘Uncertainty to Possibility’, the Caux Dialogue on Environment and Security forged networks for the future, and Initiatives of Change Business & Economy considering how ‘sustainable business needs purpose beyond profit’.

The Young Ambassadors Programme brought together more than 60 people from 24 countries. Kairi Kuusema from Estonia commented, ‘I attended YAP 2021 because I wanted to play an active role in transforming society and to explore the dynamic relationship between personal and global change. I was afraid that I would not be able to make a positive difference in my community, but I gained the confidence that anything in this world is possible.’

All our programmes emphasize the importance of listening, to others and to the inner voice. From this, hope can emerge. We believe that our work of building trust across the world’s divides is pivotal for a sustainable future.

Please find below a copy of our annual report where you can discover our latest news and view videos and reports of last year’s Caux Forum Online.

None of our work would be possible without the hard work of our conference and support teams and our volunteers and the generosity of our donors. Thanks to you we have been able to reach out to more people than ever this year. We rely heavily on individual donations, and every gift counts. To support our work, please consider donating here.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Yours,

Initiatives of Change Switzerland