The Caux Democracy Forum, taking place in Caux, Switzerland from 15 to 19 July 2024, aspires to inspire, equip, and connect individuals, groups, and organizations in the pursuit of stronger democracies and human rights across Europe and the world.
The Caux Democracy Forum is co-organised by Caux Initiatives of Change and Initiatives of Change International, in partnership with the Geneva Diplomatic Club for the Opening Ceremony. Please note that registrations are open until 3 June 2024.
The Caux Democracy Forum is part of a three-year programme running until 2026 which includes the Geneva Democracy Dialogues in May and October, regional events, and the Caux Democracy Forum from 8-12 July, 2025 and from 22 - 26 June, 2026.
How can democracy be revitalised across Europe and the world?
Democracy is retreating across the world, and millions are denied the freedoms that they struggled to achieve. Much of the world is separating into camps. Conflict grows and cooperation shrinks, setting back global efforts to combat climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. And even in democracy’s heartlands, citizens see the disconnect between democratic ideals and their practice, and lose faith.
If democracy is to be revitalised, we need to bridge this disconnect. This Forum will focus on this challenge – how to imbue our nations with the values of democracy such as integrity, accountability, transparency and inclusiveness of all, majorities and minorities. Democracy can only thrive where these values motivate families and workplaces as well as politics and government.
The Forum will hear from people who are working to make these values the bedrock of policy and practice in governance, business, industry, education, the media and the environment. They have started in their own lives, and are confronting corruption and injustice, building trust across social divides, healing wounded relationships, developing inclusive economic approaches – the underlying work which enables trust and cooperation to grow, and democracy to thrive.
Each of us has a unique role in revitalising democracy. The Forum will offer the space to explore that role, and to develop joint initiatives. It will launch a three-year programme, in partnership with like-minded organisations, which aims to revitalise democracy and help turn back the authoritarian tide.
Discover the Caux Democracy Programme 2024 - 2026
About the Event
This four-day residential forum will look at what we can do to contribute to revitalise democracy across Europe and the world. Part of a three-year programme (2024 – 2026), it is designed to enhance democratic governance, human rights and sustainable economic development.
The event is articulated around three workstreams (detailed below) set as priorities to feed into existing ongoing agendas and processes, from local to global.
- Workstream 1: Healing the Wounds of the Past - Forgiveness and Restitution
- Workstream 2: People-centred Economics
- Workstream 3: Civil Society fostering Dialogue – From Polarization to Participation
Each of the workstreams will discuss cross-cutting issues:
- Narratives used - “Words matter”
- Equity – “Double Standards”
- Needed capabilities and attitudes - “Inner Development”
Challenges will be further explored through plenaries, community groups and workshops.
The event has been designed to allow participants the time to gain some perspective, retreat from the bustling routine and find a space that allows for silent reflection, creative collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
What Practical Outcomes are Envisioned?
The Caux Democracy Forum aims to facilitate interaction among participants, providing inspiration, tools, courage, and effective strategies for enabling, facilitating, and encouraging the capabilities and attitudes considered necessary to strengthen democracy across the world.
The Forum will:
- Bring people together around collective exploration and action.
- Provide first-hand experiences of a wide range of people active in the key selected issues.
- Learn, innovate, prototype, practice and share application of tools.
- Create opportunities to support further activities within the Caux Democracy Programme and organisations.
- Ally with partner organisations
- Share stories, arts, event designs and presentations.
Who is attending the Caux Democracy Forum?
Over 200 people are expected to participate in the full residential program and 300 for the Opening Ceremony
The Forum will commence and conclude with the voices of those most impacted, positively and negatively, from civil society. We will also hear from representatives of people’s movements, NGOs, governmental bodies, media, United Nations agencies, and unconventional actors. Speakers will be chosen based on their relevant personal experiences.
Departing from conventional protocols, the Caux Forum provides participants with an opportunity for interaction regardless of seniority.
Our sponsoring initiatives will ensure the Caux Democracy Forum to be an inclusive event, bringing together creative and innovative minds from all regions of the world.
We will continue to update this page with information on speakers and workshops in the weeks to come.
The Caux Democracy Forum at the Caux Palace, near Montreux
The Caux Democracy Forum takes place in our centre for dialogue - the Caux Palace, a former Belle Époque Grand Hotel nestled in the mountains 1000m above sea level. With its breathtaking view over the Léman and the Alps, it provides a unique and inspiring setting.
PROGRAMME
- Time: 16:00 à 17:45 CEST
- Venue: Caux Palace, Switzerland
In collaboration with the Geneva Diplomatic Club, the opening ceremony of the Caux Democracy Forum will take place at the Caux Palace on 15 July from 16:00 CEST, followed by a reception and concert organised with the support of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation.
With an expected in-person attendance of three hundred people, the event will also be streamed online.
If you only wish to attend the Opening Ceremony, please make sure to secure your place by kindly filling out the online registration form.
Find the detailed programme here.
15-19 July: Full Residential Caux Democracy Forum
The full residential Caux Democracy Forum, including the Opening Ceremony, will take place at the Caux Palace and starts with the Opening Ceremony at the Caux Palace on Monday, 15 July at 16:00 CEST.
Attendees who have booked the full Forum packages (15 - 19 July) are asked to check in from 15:00 CEST 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.
Details on the specific workstreams can be found below.
Speakers & Contributors
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.
SENATOR BOGDAN KLICH, Chair Foreign and European Union Affairs Committee, Polish Senate
Senator Bogdan Klich is the Chair of the Foreign and European Union Affairs Committee at the Polish Senate. He is from Krakow, where he also lectures in the Jagiellonian University. From 2007 to 2011 he served as Minister of Defence in the Government of Donald Tusk. As a student he was active in the struggle for a democratic country, and was interned in 1981 by the communist regime. He was a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2017.
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.
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.
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.
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, Logistics and Outreach Lead Creative Leadership
Sidra Raslan from Syria is the logistics and outreach lead of Creative Leadership, a youth-led Caux Initiatives of Change initiative for young leaders that organises programmes focused on 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.
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.
ASSAAD CHAFTARI, 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.
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.
REV DR. JAMES MOVEL WUYE, Pentecoastal Pastor and Co-Executive Directorof 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 Directorof 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.
DR MUNA ISMAIL, Programme Manager Refugees as Re-Builders™, IofC UK
Dr Muna Ismail is the Programme Manager of IofC UK's Refugees as Re-Builders™. Refugees as Rebuilders is a British capacity-building training programme, accredited by UK training authorities, which provides innovative learning opportunities for settled refugees.
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.
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.
FARAI MAGUWU, Executive Director, Centre for Natural Resource Governance, Zimbabwe
Farai Maguwu founded the Centre for Natural Resource Governance to improve governance of natural resources in Zimbabwe. He has done extensive research and documentation on human rights abuses and illicit trade in diamonds. In 2011 Human Rights Watch honoured him with the Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism.
WORKSTREAMS
Each participant is invited to select and follow one of the three workstreams for the duration of the forum with two dedicated workshops per day. Plenaries, community groups, the evening programme and other activities bring all participants together.