INTERNATIONAL CAUX CONFERENCES 2 010

Conference Report Diversity rather than ‘ethnofolklore ’ 4–5 Caux Forum for Human Security 8–9 Caux 2 01 0 Economy of Communion 20 French-speaking Africa: Leadership training 23 CONTENTS

The International Caux Conferences, organized by CAUX-Initiatives of Change in collaboration with Initiatives of Change International, have been taking place since 1946, exploring ways to transform society through changes in individuals and relationships. The 2 01 0 programme consisted of a series of six conferences and two training programmes, each covered in this report.

Further information, photos, videos and more are available at www.caux.ch/2 01 0

President’s message Training

‘We make society’ 3 ‘Change in yourself will lead to change around you’ 14 Leading change for a sustainable world 15 Diversity Caux Scholars Program 2010 16 Caux Interns Program 2010 17 Diversity rather than ‘ethnofolklore’ 4–5 Giving a face to the African diaspora 6 Economy Childrens’ rights in a multicultural society 7 TIGE 2010: Ready to act 18 –19 Human Security ‘Economy of Communion’ 20

Caux Forum for Human Security 2010 8–9 Media Food security 10 Building peace in Northern Ireland 11 Caux in the media 21

Generations Special Concert

Everybody counts! 12 –13 Colwell Brothers: A musical journey around the world 21

Life in Caux

Printed and designed in Switzerland by Finding perspective and peace 22 Brunner AG, Druck und Medien, CH-6010 Kriens ‘Bonds of trust and understanding’ 23 Editors: Adriana Borra, Chris Breitenberg, Mike Brown, French-speaking Africa: Leadership training 23 Mike Lowe, Andrew Stallybrass, Philipp Thüler Proofreading: Andrew Lancaster, Jan Smith, Alison Wetterfors Caux 2 011 Photos: Elise Bancon, Martin Baumann, Hady Bishara, Adriana Borra, Philippe Charlebois-Gomez, Mélanie Courvoisier, Blair Cummock, Chetan Halai, Anne-Claire Huet, Gintare Karalyte, Amy Shultz, Zhanna Sviridova International Caux Conferences 2011 24

2 CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

‘We make society ’

My wife and I, supported by a ter - This was true of black leaders of the believed that Jesus was born, and rific team, recently completed an Pan African Congress and white also in the place in Hebron where it unusual Voyage of Discovery and Afrikaaners, Arab leaders in Pales - is believed that Abraham was buried. dialogue that included the follow- tine and Jewish leaders in Israel, Sun - Impelled by the pain I had seen, the ing countries: Sri Lanka, Indonesia, nis and Shia in Indonesia and South fears I had seen, and the faith I had South Africa, Kenya, Palestine, Israel, Africa, Favelados in Brazil and mem - seen, I prayed that day, in each of Norway, Romania, Ukraine, Japan, bers of elite clubs in Colombia. the two sacred places, two silent the USA, Mexico, Colombia and The Caux conferences share an ut - prayers. One prayer was for the Brazil. The Voyage ended in Swit- terly simple idea which seemed to liberation of Palestine. The other zerland, at the 2010 International intrigue people everywhere on the prayer was for the safety of the Caux Conferences. Voyage: Each of us can live to make people of Israel. As far as my heart What did I learn on the Voyage? the other person great, not just to knew, each prayer was as ardent as I saw, as you might expect, father - make myself great. We can seek the other. less, motherless families caused by and assist the greatness of our col - We are from so many different AIDS and violence. Children raising leagues and associates – everyone lands. Each of our lands has so children. I saw a sense of helpless - in our team or circle. many human needs. The lives of so ness over drug wars. I saw the per - They also share an idea well ex - many of our brothers and sisters vasiveness and acceptance of cor - pressed in a line by the poet Tagore are so deeply insecure. My prayer is ruption. I saw shanty towns that that my grandfather Gandhi loved: that these Caux conferences are a break your heart because of their Ekla Chalo Re. Dare to Walk Alone. place where we encourage one an - limitless extent. I saw the immense Make the other person great, but other, hear one another’s stories, overpowering presence of illegal walk alone if need be. learn from one another, and find settlements and walls. This is what Gandhi said two weeks ways of aiding a momentum al - Yet I found hope in the human before he was killed: ‘Society is ready existing in our world towards spirit and a will to pray and work made up of individuals. It is we that healing, justice, and peace. so that the impossible happens. make society… If one man takes I saw again what I had known the initiative others will follow and before – that actually we are all one can become many; if there is the same underneath. In country not even one there is nothing.’ after country, people responded On Easter Day in April I was in the alike to real stories of real human Holy Land. That day I found myself Rajmohan Gandhi, President beings. in the spot in Bethlehem where it is Initiatives of Change International

CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 3 DIVERSITY

Panel speakers on ‘children’s rights in a multicultural society’ (l. to rt.): Bernard Defrance, Urszula Markowska-Manista, Jonathan Levy and Daniel Halperin

Diversity rather than ‘ethnofolklore’

‘There is a growing public awareness of the risk of a breakdown in our multicultural living to - gether. This is a painful and indispensable part of the self-analysis that our societies have to undertake.’ These words marked the opening of the conference ‘Learning to live in a multi - cultural world: fundamental rights and multiculturalism in Europe’ which took place in Caux from 2 to 7 July.

his critical self-examination was at and questions of gender and sexual orien - mental problems of: ignorance, prejudice Tthe heart of discussions, workshops tation, children’s rights and policy to - and existential fears, reinforced by the eco - and meetings through which some 130 wards migrants in Europe were some of nomic crisis. participants sought practical solutions. the themes that ran through the week. The rights of minorities, women’s rights Demands for an alternative The multicultural society can no longer be public sphere and for greater over-simplified as a society with just a little diversity more colour. In contrast to the concept of integration, the concept of multicultural - Richard Keeble, a Professor of Journalism ism is seen as doomed to fail by many at the University of Lincoln (UK), experts and practitioners in Europe. And showed with practical examples how the the reality of today shows that they might media often present a negative image of be right: fears of a cultural crisis caused migrants and minorities, with such labels by immigration, the Swiss debate on as ‘bogus asylum-seekers’, whereas articles minarets, moves in some countries to ban explaining why migrants have been the wearing of the burqa and the pressure forced to leave their countries are few and for ever more restrictive laws about out - far between. And nothing is said about siders dominate the debate today, and the majority of people who are living to - Peace Fair stand in the way of tackling the funda - gether peacefully. But as consumers, read -

4 CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 ers, listeners and viewers, we all have power to alter the information on offer and help create an alternative public space, notably thanks to blogs. But the question remains: how can we live in a multicultural society when the media and political institutions do not reflect the di - versity of social reality and are largely dominated by white men?

Moving beyond the principle of tolerance towards shared common values

There need to be clear universal rules if we are to live together with cultural dif - ferences. Nora Refaeil of the University of Basel, an expert on human rights, re - jected the notion of specific rights for majorities and minorities. ‘Religious freedom and the guarantee of peace in Craig Bankhead from the UK (left) presented his project ‘Show Racism the Red the public arena are not mutually exclu - Card’, an anti-racism programme for school children, based on football sive, as long as respect and sensitivity to the majority are maintained,’ she sug - gested. But it is also fundamental to take cultural awareness. It is vitally important, grants is soaked in a colonial mind-set, into account the needs and sensitivities he said, to include Roma people in plan - even in feminist circles. ‘Anyone just of minorities. A principle of tolerance ning such projects. fighting against the headscarf is far from for all is better than restrictions aimed at being a true defender of human rights,’ minorities. Daniel Bolomey, Secretary- Public space being reclaimed said Annemarie Sancar, a policy advisor General of Amnesty International Swit- by children on gender issues at the Swiss Agency for zerland, spoke about the recent popular Development and Cooperation in Bern. vote to ban minarets, and linked the vote Social participation starts in childhood. Rather than chanting a hymn to freedom with the economic crisis, which pro - And respect for the rights of the child is in the name of the rights of women, motes populism. In the future, we must an important step towards a more just what is needed is a clearer understanding not just uphold loud and clear funda - society, said Batia Gilad, the President of of the places where patriarchal structures mental rights on the legal level, ‘but also the International Janusz Korczak Associ - still predominate, she suggested. These link them with fundamental values that ation. Public spaces need to be re - structures, especially at the level of the are defended and shared by individuals claimed by children, suggested teacher- family, are in many ways independent of from different cultures, nationalities, re - trainer Laurent Ott, President of Inter - culture. ligions, and social and economic back - mèdes France. According to him, grounds,’ he said. children don’t use parks and public Change starts with m e… spaces enough, as they spend so much of with the appropriate tools Breaking vicious circles thanks their free time inside, with the TV set as to training and participation a baby-sitter. Ott suggested an active so - Beyond discussions on these themes, the cial pedagogy that could include organ - week included training modules aimed This principle applies not just to Muslim ized play afternoons with children from towards practical actions: training in reli - communities living in secular Western so - different backgrounds to re-occupy pub - gious diversity and anti-discrimination, cieties, but also to the Roma people. ‘To lic spaces. Children also needed to be citizen’s rights, intercultural mediation, bring about a lasting improvement in the aware of themselves, the role they play and media ethics in a multicultural soci - situation of the Roma, and the perception in society and, in due course, of the ety. All these workshops had some ele - of them in official circles, it is vital to have need for integration. In this, imitation ments in common: reflecting on our - special measures and training,’ said Ivan can play an important role. A little cre - selves, dialogue and empowerment. Joint Ivanov, the Executive Director of the Euro - ativity, some courage and a stuffed toy actions were planned for the International pean Roma Information Office. This is can set these developments in motion. Day of Peace, 21 September, and confer - needed to break the vicious circle of ence participants committed themselves poverty, crime and victimization. Sadly, Revealing prejudices and to small steps of change in their personal there is a total lack of political will. Coun - post-colonial models and professional circles, and in their net - tries happily delegate responsibility for the works of friends. There was something for problem to the European Union, and even Our thinking is organized in zones lim - everyone. at this higher level, there is no overall strat - ited by our prejudices and our opinions. Angela Mattli egy to tackle the situation. Well-inten - The current question about banning the tioned programmes fail through lack of burqa shows how our perception of mi -

CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 5 DIVERSITY

Giving a face to the African diaspora

The conference ‘Learning to live in a multi-cultural world’ heard from two African diaspora representatives living in Switzerland. Alpha Grace, President of the Federation of African Associations in the Canton of Neuchâtel (FAACN), and Divina Zoé Cajacob, founder of the Observatory for the defence of African women and children in Switzerland.

of these relationships are Swiss. But it’s an unhealthy situation that often leads to divorces and separations. And if there are children, what becomes of them?

‘Everywhere in the world, walls are falling, and Switzerland is no exception’

AG: In the long term, this cannot benefit Switzerland.

What solutions do you propose to stop this process? AG: Firstly we need a policy for integra - Divina Zoé Cajacob Alpha Grace tion, not just a migration policy. Mi - grants need to be aware, to have a sense of responsibility for the role that they can an you tell us how the African dias - That’s the aim of the federation: to give play in this country. I’m not in favour Cpora looks at Switzerland? us a voice. Africans in Switzerland had of handing out papers to everyone. But it Alpha Grace (AG): It’s a mixed picture. no voice. can’t be right to keep someone in an asy - When we created our federation in 2007, lum centre for four years. It destroys the aim was clearly to give greater visibil - With the second generation, new questions something in people that cannot be re - ity to our community. You can achieve of identity appear. How can people posi - paired. I see many Africans with Swiss this by carrying out concrete actions to tively accept multiple identities? passports, but without any training, so build links between the African commu - AG: I appreciate it when we start to they live on social assistance. So we ask: nities and the Swiss. think for the longer-term. Migrants are ‘where’s the policy for integration?’ Im - But the view that Africans have of the so easily labelled. But times are chang- migrants need to be able to earn their Swiss depends on circumstances and situ - ing. Everywhere in the world, walls are way. ations. Generally speaking, there’s also a falling, and Switzerland is no exception. fair amount of fear: fear of being judged, We live daily with cultural diversity. We Interview by Mélanie Courvoisier fear of being criticized, fear of being la - want to be able to tell our children that belled a drug-dealer or a prostitute. they are Swiss, that they are part of this society, and that they are meant to play Divina Zoé Cajacob (DZ): Each com - a part in it. Make yourselves seen! We munity tries to organize itself to create already wear a label, but you, you can The ‘Learning to live in a multicultural synergies. Africans need spaces where change things. world’ 2011 conference in Caux will be on they can meet to help each other. Origi - the theme of ‘Diaspora and peacemaking in nally we’re a community where there’s a DZ: There’s a strong chance that parents Europe’. It will run from 26–31 July. lot of solidarity. We find ourselves here in who have failed their migration will have Switzerland, so we need to live where we children who get lost in that migration. find ourselves. If we’ve left our country On the one hand, people say, ‘We don’t of origin to go somewhere else, it’s not want foreigners,’ but on the other hand, just to survive. It’s to be able to organize doors open to certain practices. Either I ourselves, to live a normal life, to try to come to Switzerland and apply for asy - build something, and to be of use here. lum, or I can marry a Swiss. The children

6 CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 DIVERSITY

‘We must stop looking at children as imperfect beings’

Daniel Halperin, a Genevese paediatrician, is the President of the Swiss association of the friends of Dr Janusz Korczak, a pioneer of the rights of the child. He spoke on a panel at the ‘Learning to live in a multicultural world’ conference.

hat brought you to Caux, to take Wpart in this conference on ‘Learn - ing to live in a multicultural world’? I was invited, along with other members of the Korczak movement, to share our ideas and our concerns on the issue of children’s rights, which was the theme of a full day of plenary meetings and work - shops. The question of respect for the child is vitally important, and it is far from being achieved. Laws and official documents are important, they reveal a change in approach, primarily through the Convention on the Rights of the Child. But behaviour and mentalities must change too. This conference was a good opportunity to share these concerns and a vision, to get people thinking, per - haps to encourage in some a sense of call - ing waiting to be developed. There is so much to do, both in the West and in de - veloping countries.

What is your main message on the rights of the child? Firstly, each child must be recognized in their uniqueness. Each child is a unique in which adults consider the child as a means of allowing children to take part in individual, each child has a culture. This partner worthy of respect. The pedagogy the life of their school, and so to take culture is linked with his or her origin, of Korczak is based on inventiveness, mo - some ownership, is the drawing up of their family, their history, but also their tivation and perseverance. There is a mul - school rules in a way that allows each stu - own view on the world. And this vision is titude of ways of showing children that dent, every year, to become a co-author. a great richness that we need to welcome you are listening to them, and we can seek Children will be all the more respectful of and respect. Secondly, the child is a hu - with them solutions or answers that are rules that they have taken part in writing, man being now. He or she has rights now. their own. which includes thinking, reflecting, dis - We must stop thinking of them as imper - cussing, criticizing and understanding fect beings, because they are unfinished. them. And it’s the same in the family. If Finishing, like perfection, doesn’t really ‘Laws and official docu - you try to have the same approach in the exist, it’s just a mental concept. ments are important, but family, if you treat children as partners in dialogue, then you become a better parent Can actions like Education for Peace (an behaviour and mentalities than one who just tries to apply rigid rules IofC programme in France, in schools) help must change too’ and norms. advance these ideas? You can help spread the ideas of great ed - Interview by Elise Bancon ucationalists like Korczak, and show The International Convention on the young people today that peace in social Rights of the Child stipulates that chil - relations can start with respect for the dren should participate in decisions that child. Children need to be helped to ex - concern them. So schools that do not al - press themselves, to find the right mo - low for this are, in fact, breaking the law. ment and the means to participate, to But how many schools respect this article contribute to the elaboration of social life of the Convention? One of the simplest

CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 7 HUMAN SECURITY

Clare Short, initiator of the Caux Call to Action Discussions about the Caux Call to Action

Urgency, facts and optimism drive Caux Forum for Human Security 2 01 0

Three hundred people from every continent met at the Caux Forum for Human Security, from 9 to 16 July . They considered how to advance human security under four main themes – healing memory, just governance, sustainable living, and inclusive economics. In a week of intense deliberation, a wide range of initiatives emerged, and are now being implemented.

hat is ‘human security’? At the man security by contrast ‘puts the individ - there is no time for procrastination.’ Wstart of the 2010 Caux Forum for ual human being at the centre of atten - Gnacadja, who comes from Benin, Human Security, Pierre Helg, Deputy tion’, focusing on sustainable develop - chaired a session on how to better support State Secretary of the Swiss Federal De - ment, social justice, respect for human women farmers in Africa. Among the par - partment of Foreign Affairs, outlined his rights and democracy. The Swiss Govern - ticipants were two recipients of the World Government’s approach. In the early 90s, ment particularly welcomed the Forum ’s Food Prize, the head of the Rwanda he said, ‘human security’ emerged as a re - comprehensive view of human security, Women’s Network, the environmental sponse to the limitations of the traditional he said, and took pride in its support for columnist of a major British newspaper, understanding of security, which focused Initiatives of Change. ‘It is my hope that, and the manager of a trust fund which on territorial integrity and borders. Hu - thanks to the wealth of expertise gathered supports African agriculture. This range here, the Caux Forum will allow us to of expertise meant that many aspects of identify effective ways to advance human this subject could be examined. security,’ he said. The threats we face – runaway climate ‘Healing memory’ in change, economic turmoil, conflict – gave French-speaking Africa the Forum a sense of urgency, but also of hope. ‘Crises can be devastating,’ said the And that was true of other sessions, such Forum Chair, Mohamed Sahnoun, ‘but as those on ‘Healing memory’. The Swiss they prompt us to seek change.’ Luc Department of Foreign Affairs sent a Gnacadja, Executive Secretary of the UN Senior Advisor on addressing historic Convention to Combat Desertification, wounds, and arranged for several pointed out that ‘18 to 25 centimetres of Africans who are taking leadership in topsoil are all that stand between us and this field, including heads of Truth Com - extinctio n... Our generation will either missions, to attend. They contributed set human history on the path to sustain - from their national experience, and able development or to self-destruction. heard from others such as Joseph Simonetta Sommaruga We can still choose sustainability, but Montville from USA, a pioneer in pre -

8 CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 Pastor James Wuye and Imam Muhammad Ashafa took part in the Swiss Premiere of the film ‘An African Answer’ about their work in Kenya.

ventative diplomacy programmes, and tween the state and the market to be rede - ferent countries. ‘We all know that world Lebanese peacemaker Assaad Chaftari, fined. ‘I want Switzerland to be at the events are going to get uglier if we do recently described by the New York Times forefront of such moves. We have the nothing,’ she said. ‘We want to bring peo - as ‘the only major participant in means and the time is right,’ she said. ple together in a creative response.’ Lebanon’s civil war who has apologized for his role in the atrocities’. A ‘Caux Call to Action’? They also heard from the King of Bu- ‘For the first time in the nyoro-Kitara in Western Uganda, who history of humanity there The statement in support of a Caux Call brought a senior delegation. Since attend - to Action was adopted by the Forum. ‘For ing the 2008 Forum he had brought to - is the capacity to meet the first time in the history of humanity,’ gether traditional rulers from throughout everyone’s needs’ it says, ‘there is the technological, social the region, with the aim of overcoming and economic capacity to meet everyone’s deep hostilities. In the meetings the King needs,’ going on to outline how this can had spoken frankly about ‘the historical What motivates people to take on the be achieved through the growth of a errors Bunyoro-Kitara made, and asked tough challenge of advancing human se - worldwide coalition of people of con - our neighbours to forgive’. In recent years curity? And what keeps them going? science. ‘We dedicate ourselves to help oil had been discovered in Bunyoro-Ki - These questions lay at the heart of the Fo - build a movement to bring about the tara. At the Forum the King led a session rum. Otis Moss, an associate of Martin global transformation that is so desper - on how this oil could be extracted in a Luther King, spoke of the teachings in ately needed.’ The full text of the state - way which benefits the Ugandan commu - which the civil rights movement was an - ment is available at www.caux.ch. A cam - nity, and avoids the conflict and corrup - chored, its ‘unshakable paradigm that paign will be developed in the coming tion which oil extraction has caused else - God is love, and the unrelenting convic - months, and Clare Short will chair the where in Africa. tion that service, suffering and sacrifice steering committee. are redemptive’. A variety of actions were initiated during The struggle for integrity The civil rights movement called tens of the Forum. An online tool for global co - in business and governance thousands of people into non-violent di - operation was launched. But for many rect action – and similar citizens’ leader - the Forum’s value lay in the inspiration In other sessions, speakers from the devel - ship is needed again today, said Clare they found there. An Australian engineer oped and developing world, including the Short, formerly Britain’s Secretary of State noted particularly ‘the safe environment President of Transparency International for International Development. Federico for honest and open conversations, free Switzerland, spoke on their struggle for Mayor, Director General of UNESCO from status and hierarchy. I realized that integrity in business and governance. Si - from 1987 to 1999, agreed. ‘Inertia is our it was possible to live an ethical life, and monetta Sommaruga, senator in the Swiss biggest enemy,’ he said. ‘It is time for rad - this could have practical outcomes that Federal Parliament, talked about the im - ical change. Initiatives for change is ex - help others. To me, this reconnection be - pact of the global financial crisis, which actly what we need.’ tween spirituality, the natural world and binds state resources to save banks, Two years ago Clare Short proposed that a economic issues is critical for human se - thereby reducing the funds available for statement be written to express the Caux curity.’ measures of social justice inside Switzer - Forum’s approach, and taken it to the John Bond land and in support of developing coun - world. She returned this year with a draft tries. She called for the relationship be - developed by a team of people from dif -

CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 9 HUMAN SECURITY

What’s needed to feed a hungry world

Hans Herren spoke at the Caux Forum for Human Security about food security and sus - tainability. The Swiss scientist is currently the President of the Millennium Institute and Pres - ident of the Swiss Foundation Biovision. He worked in Africa for over 30 years and received numerous prizes for his work, amongst others the World Food Prize in 1995.

technology. But this simply is not true. included in the price of food, then sus - We have to try to make everything work tainably produced products will be com - within our eco-system. You cannot create paratively cheaper, and industrially pro - water; you cannot produce soil, soil is just duced food less competitive. But this re - there and we must try not to destroy it. We have to work with what we have, and technology can only help us, it cannot be ‘Today, 3 0% of the pur - the solution in itself. chased food ends up in the Do we still have the time to do all the garbage bin, and in the US, needed research? Soils in Argentina and else - it is even more’ where are already being destroyed no w… Nothing will change in agriculture, until every consumer is willing to pay the true quires a lot of political courage: it is price of food. As long as the external costs against the interests of all those big com - are not included in food prices, the food panies, of industrial farmers, tractor pro - produced in industrial farms – with lots ducers, distributors. Instead, today those who are doing it right, who are trying to produce sustainably, are getting taxed, hat are the main issues in the field ‘It is not acceptable that with all those labels and certifications. Wof food security at the moment? ever more countries Some people assume that food can be Are these labels valid anyway? Swiss ‘organ - produced anywhere and that it is only a get ever more dependent ic’ meat for example is also produced with question of the right distribution. But this on ever fewer producers’ lots of soya from Brazi l… is not the right way. The countries that are The question of sustainability is not en - suffering from hunger have to produce tirely resolved at the moment. Organic their own food. That is the only way to of fertilizer, pesticides, big machines and food is not necessarily sustainable. But solve the problem. In the end, it is also a oil – will always be cheaper. As soon as the philosophy is fundamentally wrong. question of human dignity. Almost every these external costs – I am talking about Things that are worthy of subsidies are country on earth can produce the food it water and air pollution for example – are being made more expensive. The labels needs to sustain itself. Perhaps not 10 0% should work the other way round. The of everything but there are always the pos - bad stuff, produced with fertilizer, pesti - sibilities of exchange. We accept that there cides and lots of oil, should be taxed. But is a market for food, but it is not accept - apart from that consumers also need to able that ever more countries get ever think differently. Today, 3 0% of the pur - more dependent on ever fewer producers. chased food ends up in the garbage bin, This will not bring the justice we are and in the US, it is even more. looking for and it is not sustainable. You are participating in Caux for the first How can we achieve this aim? time. What is the value of the Caux Forum? First of all we have to ask ourselves where I find it really good. I am very happy that the problems lie with the modern agricul - I was invited and that I was able to ac - ture, we have to try to understand the sys - tively participate. I have established some tem. What are the connections between good contacts that I will follow up. And I animals, crops, biodiversity, soil, farmers, hope that what has been discussed here climate change? There are still so many will be carried further, up to the right things that we need to understand. At the places, where decisions are being made. moment, many believe that we can solve all of our problems with genetics or bio- Interview by Philipp Thüler

10 CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 HUMAN SECURITY

‘Peacebuilding involves everyone, but you can’t fast track forgiveness’

Brendan McAllister, an active peacebuilder in Northern Ireland for many years, shared his experience of bringing people together and working towards reconciliation. There is a time for each task in a conflict and forgiveness is at the end of a very long process, which has to include everyone.

or more than three decades, Northern it’s about respecting him. In Northern Ire - slowly bridge the gap in communities and FIreland was plagued with extreme vio - land, enemies have started to work to - help in overcoming estrangement. This is lence and crime, known as ‘the Troubles’. gether towards a final goal, a goal of rec - driven by one’s curiosity to learn and un - The healing process has begun and onciliation. derstand another’s viewpoint and instill - progress has been made, but Northern ing this curiosity is a vital task for peace - Ireland is still far from reconciliation. At builders. In common spaces where people the Caux Forum for Human Security, ‘It’s not about loving can become creative together, relation - conference participants had a choice of ships are maintained. Lastly reconciliation workshops. Two were offered by Brendan your enemy, it’s cannot be achieved if risks are not taken. McAllister, one of the three commission - about respecting him’ Both sides of a conflict must develop the ers on the Commission for Victims and confidence in and respect for each other Survivors. Established in 2008, the Com - to take risks together. mission aims to promote the interests of In each of these stages four elements are A final point that McAllister made is that victims and survivors of the conflict in essential to peacebuilding, McAllister ex - peace building involves many different Northern Ireland. It was created with the plained. These are: maintaining relation - people. He compared it to singing in a intent to give a voice to those who felt ships and building new ones, instilling cu - choir. ‘People have to be true to what they they did not have one. riosity, opening spaces for creativity and are called to do,’ McAllister said. ‘It’s im - McAllister argued that there is a time for allowing people to take risks by engaging portant that people practise the art of be - each task in a conflict and expecting too in friendly interaction with the former en - ing tenors, sopranos, altos. They all have much too early can jeopardize peacebuild - emy. He acknowledged Caux as an exam - different voices that together make some - ing efforts. ‘You can’t fast track forgive - ple of such a space. While it is essential thing great.’ ness,’ he said. to keep those who are with you on your After the fighting ceased, those working side, new relationships to former enemies Susan Korah and Martin Baumann for lasting peace should focus their efforts on creating an order which benefits every - one, but not yet demand mutual accept - ance. Thus societies must first start with managing their conflict, which to an ex - tent, Northern Ireland has now done and everyone agrees that the past must be dealt with. The next stage is conflict transcendence. Attention has to be given to overcoming estrangement, but community leaders also need to stay credible. They must be - ware of engaging too much and too soon with the former enemy, because it could arouse suspicion within their own com - munity. Thus it is important to create sit - uations where people can meet and come out with better knowledge of each other, but can part in agreement or disagree - ment. Once the society members start to forget their differences and work together as a community, conflict resolution can begin. This phase aims to create mutual respect and work towards forgiveness. He ex - plained it’s not about loving your enemy; Brendan McAllister during his workshop on Northern Ireland

CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 11 GENERATIONS

Everybody counts!

The conference centre was full of life during the conference ‘Everybody counts!’ from 26 July to 2 August. Aged from 7 months to 91 years 380 participants gathered to work on intercultural and intergenerational relationships.

he oldest was 91 years old and his each other across generations and cul - ing the intimate and the global, and cre - T story was valued. And the youngest, tures, and together working for a better, ating a counterculture. Every day started only seven months, appeared several healthier, fairer and more peaceful with ‘Good Morning Caux’, a mock TV times on the platform. Together with 380 world.’ show presenting the day’s theme, guest participants from all over the world, their A different theme was presented for each speakers and ‘Five in the House,’ a video presence underlined the theme that day of the conference; discovering the spot featuring the opinions of five con- ‘Everybody counts’. The aim was for par - other, values and priorities, transforming ference participants. A regular guest on ticipants to ‘become friends, supporting relationships, the source of life, connect - ‘Good Morning Caux’ was Dr Incredi -

Japanese in Caux remember governors of prefectures and the Mayors delegation, said that ‘they gained a new post-war ‘deep impact’ of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At Caux they awareness. For the first time they were saw how former enemies in Europe were exposed to the idea of living by princi - Sixty years ago a delegation of 60 working to reconstruct their war-torn ples of honesty, purity, unselfishness Japanese arrived in Caux, just five years continent. One of the group, Yasuhiro and love, both in one’s personal and after the devastation of World War II. Nakasone, became Prime-Minister 35 family life and at the same time in pub - And in 2010, 44 Japanese took part in years later. In May this year, when IofC lic life. A new concept – not who is conferences there, 22 of them at the International President Rajmohan Gandhi right, but what is right – captured ‘Everybody Counts’ conference. was in Japan, the 92 year-old told him: them.’ In 1950, Japan was still occupied by the ‘My visit to Caux in 1950 had a very deep Mike Brown Allied Forces. Among those coming to impact on my life.’ Caux were leading figures in politics, Describing this historic visit at Caux this business and finance, labour unions, year, Keisuke Nakayama, leader of the

12 CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 ble, a self-proclaimed doctor in human ‘It’s not the size of the step nature, who shared his ‘insight and wis - that matters, but that I find the dom’ with lots of humour throughout right next step’ the week. Two hours were reserved each day for all ‘This place, Caux, where we are meeting the conference participants to interact in was given to us 64 years ago. It came out small community groups – a confidential of a great sense of urgency and compas - space to share thoughts, feelings and ex - sion in the Swiss for their fellow Euro - periences. Participants were asked to re - peans. They had been spared from the flect on their closest relationships, on the war and saw it as their task and calling to needs of the people around them, and the offer this place to rebuild and reconcile. ‘burning issues’ in the world they most How can we here today rediscover this want to see change. In every community sense of urgency and compassion before group meeting, all participants were given it’s too late? We have had three days of fo - the space to share their life story, high - cusing on our closest relations in life. To - lighting particular experiences or inci - day and tomorrow we need to consider dents that have made them become the the bigger picture and bigger needs. What person they are today. will my contribution be? What will my ‘After only one day, I felt very comfortable next step be? It’s not the size of the step in my community group. I was nervous to that matters, but that I find the right next share my stories with them, but after lis - step,’ Camilla said. tening to the others talk, I realized that we One ‘bigger picture’ issue being addressed all shared similar feelings and ideas,’ one was the relationships of young Muslims in conference participant said. European countries. A training session ‘Learning to be a peacemaker’ for young Focus on personal European Muslims was run concurrently values and priorities with the conference, to develop leadership and peace-building skills for them to take Children under the age of 15 had their into the rest of the world. Some non- own programmes. Like other conference Muslims also participated in the training. participants, they discussed the daily Those trained will facilitate a further theme and were encouraged to share their training course for young European Mus - thoughts and feelings on the topic. lims in Caux next year. The conference offered arts workshops and organized sporting events in the after - Open minds and hearts noons. Everybody was invited to draw their self portrait which were hung on the The training participants have high stage in the Main Hall creating Caux’s hopes for themselves and for each other. very own ‘facebook’ wall. They talked about sharing what they In plenary meetings people were invited to learned with their friends and family share their knowledge and expertise on the and encouraging people to communi - daily theme. Vesna Hart from Croatia, cate directly with Muslims instead of who first came to Caux as participant in basing their opinions on what the media the Caux Scholars Program and now is a says. ‘If anything can bring change to Doctoral student in psychology at James Europe, it is open minds and hearts,’ Madison University in the United States, said Grace Riddell from the United presented where values come from in a Kingdom. theoretical sense. David Curtis, an organ - The ‘Everybody Counts’ conference con - izer for the Caux Interns Program, spoke cluded with presentations from each of about re-evaluating his life when his values the 22 community groups. All the groups at work didn’t match his values at home. had been asked to share what had meant He had bought his family all the material the most to them as a community or as things they needed, yet he still felt unful - individuals during the week. The presen - filled. It was in this moment that he de - tations varied from personal sharing, po - cided to change certain aspects of his life. ems and songs to visual presentations, The first three days of the conference fo - mind maps and artwork. This last meet - cused on personal priorities and values ing gave an honest and real picture of the and gradually shifted to larger issues. The struggles and challenges as well as the op - conference’s lead organizer, Camilla Nel - portunities and joys of living in a multi - son from Norway, spoke on one of those cultural and inter-generational commu - bigger issues, connecting the intimate and nity. the global. Amy Shultz

CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 13 TRAINING

‘Change in yourself will lead to change around you’

The conference ‘Training by Initiatives of Change (IofC )’ took place in Caux for the first time from 4 to 10 August. Six different trainings developed and conducted by IofC Trainers were made available to around 100 participants during that week.

ofC training sessions are laboratories • Education for Peace – learning respect - Highlights of the week included a public Iwhere participants learn how to see and ful approaches to teaching children; event to launch the new book Trustbuild - understand the steps they can take to • Family Renewal – an exploration of how ing: an Honest Conversation on Race, Rec - bring about positive changes needed in to be more sensitive to the unexpressed onciliation and Responsibility by Rob Cor - their personal situations. needs of others and how to communi - coran, Director of IofC USA. Corcoran cate one’s innermost feelings without delivered a thought-provoking lecture An experienced and engaging faculty of - fear of being judged; asking the audience to reflect on ques - fered a selection of training courses: • Tools for Leadership in Transformation tions such as: Where does trust need to be • Creators of Peace – an initiative by – an experiential workshop examining built in your community? Who do you women and for women to discover their leadership as an action with the aim of find difficult to trust? What conversation unique potential in creating a culture of bringing about transformation. is not taking place? peace in their homes and communities; • Trustbuilding – a workshop based on Running concurrently with the ‘Leading Conference attendees participated in an the work of the IofC programme Hope change for a sustainable world’ conference, interactive evening with guest speaker in the Cities, and the story of how Rich - participants of both conferences were in - Ryland Fisher, Executive Chairperson of mond, Virginia, a former slave market vited to start each day in silent reflection the Cape Town Festival and former Editor and capital of the Confederacy, has be - entitled ‘Space for Reflection & Direction’ of the Cape Times who said, ‘we need to come a seedbed for interracial dialogue as an integral component of IofC training. realize that transformation and reconcilia - and trustbuilding; These times were facilitated by faculty tion are not an event but a process’. • Spirituality in Public Office – a study from Moral Foundations of Democracy, a Though he commented that South of readings and reflections from former training programme in Sierra Leone for Africa’s biggest contribution to the world Secretary-General of the UN Dag reconciliation and change in partnership is a lesson in reconciliation, Fisher warned Hammarskjöld’s spiritual diary Mark - with Kees & Marina Scheijgrond from that ‘until the gap between rich and poor ings; IofC Netherlands. is narrowed, there is a danger of violent revolution in South Africa. Political free - dom has not yet lead to economic free - dom.’ The present government, he felt, ‘was not doing enough for fairer distribu - tion’.

As feedback from the participants showed, the training courses were a success. It proved to be very beneficial to limit course enrolment to 14 participants per course as well as to align training groups and community discussion groups, an ele - ment which was ideal for group cohesion and depth of discussion.

IofC training worldwide strives to equip individuals with the tools to create change in their lives and to connect them to a broader network of people working to create change for a better, brighter future.

Shaneeza Nazseer

Inese Voika leading a workshop

14 CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 TRAINING

Najat Rochdi, Deputy Director, United Nations Introduction to ‘Open Space Technology’ Development Programme Geneva office

Take on responsibility – build a sustainable future!

From 4 to 10 August, the conference ‘Leading change for a sustainable world’ took place in Caux for the second time. Its aim was to offer a time for skill-building, reflection and dis - cernment to the 80 participants willing to be involved in concrete projects for change.

his innovative conference, run by a tudes to money head on, and Douglas Heritage,’ and ‘Bridging the Gap Between Tteam of young professionals and stu - Mallette from the Venus Project brought Indigenous and Non-indigenous Com - dents, focused on the role of the ‘human news of innovative technological solutions munities’. These discussions led on to factor’ in combating climate change and to poverty – and also of the very human conclusions, recommendations and action extreme poverty. It hosted a variety of reasons why they were not being brought points for the future. guest speakers and workshop leaders, in - into use. Michael Kerr, coordinator of the One group had a discussion on racial cluding Rob Corcoran, author of Trust - Canadian ‘Colour of Poverty – Colour of equality and racial injustice. The group building: an Honest Conversation on Race, Change’ initiative, spoke movingly of this came to the conclusions that they needed Reconciliation and Responsibility. As he put project dealing with the racialization of to build awareness, understanding and it: poverty in Canada. Finally participants appreciation and ensure that the necessary ‘The most-needed reforms in our com - were treated to a powerful address from programs, support and legal protections munities and nations require levels of po - Najat Rochdi of the United Nations De - are in place. litical courage and trust-based collabora - velopment Programme. Inese Greiskane, a 20 year old student tion that can only be achieved by individ - Inspirational training was provided by from Latvia attending Caux for the first uals who have the vision, integrity, and Louie Gardiner, an accredited Master time, summarized the feelings of many at persistence to call out the best in others Coach and founding partner of Potent 6 the conference when she said: and sustain deep and long-term efforts. in the United Kingdom. Gardiner led a ‘This week exceeded all my expectations. Without trust, true collaboration is unat - daily, interactive leadership workshop, It made me realize that people from dif - tainable.’ ‘Awakening the Responsible Leader With - ferent cultural backgrounds, nationalities The force of these remarks was borne out in’, during which she asked questions ad - and beliefs can be so similar and can learn by contributions in the morning plenary dressing leadership and power. to work together to make the world a bet - sessions from experts who also led after - The conference also included an innova - ter place for us all to live. For me it was noon workshops. Rishab Khanna, co- tive method to encourage conversation also important to have time in silence founder of the Indian Youth Climate Net - and the sharing of knowledge and ideas – with myself and listen to my inner voice. work, discussed young people’s efforts to Open Space Technology (OST). For I found some important answers to my campaign on climate change, while Mike OST, participants wrote down topics and questions. This all made me realize that if Brown from Initiatives of Change (IofC) issues they wanted to discuss with others you want to change the world, you need Australia explored the moral and spiritual and selected a time for the discussion. to change yourself first.’ underpinnings of environmental activism. Topics included ‘Dominance of Eco - Amy Shultz Nicola Jones from the Schumacher Soci - nomic Growth over Sustainability in ety tackled the difficult subject of atti - Third World Countries,’ ‘IofC’s Film

CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 15 TRAINING

The Caux Scholars Program 2 01 0: A life-changing experience for many

The program gathered 19 young professionals and students from 16 different countries to learn about conflict, identity, peace building and trauma healing. After a month, they not only broadened their horizons academically, but also gained many new friends across cul - tures and customs interested in shaping a better future.

create crucial transformation for justice and peace.’

During their month in Caux the Scholars engaged in interactive exercises, chal - lenged each other through inter-religious dialogue and gave presentations on ‘Con - flict where I come from’. The latter had left a deep impact on Cathi Del Vecchio, an American Scholar, who said, ‘The most valuable part was getting to know my fel - low Scholars. Not only do I feel con - nected to them, but also to their coun - tries. I feel personally invested in these conflicts, a feeling which motivates me to become a more active global citizen.’

The Scholars also participated in the Caux Forum for Human Security, where peace-builders from around the world gathered for a week (see pages 8 –9). At the end four Scholars had the opportunity Caux Scholars at the UN in Geneva with Kathy Aquilina, program coordinator, to speak in a plenary session and summa - Barry Hart, academic director, and Mrs. and Mr. Katunga from Congo rized on behalf of all Scholars the lessons they had learnt from the forum.

hen there is a problem, every - young professionals and students between When asked how they would describe ‘W one rushes to a solution. That is the ages of 24 to 35 discovered the truth their experience this summer, El-Masry how most humans operate. You need to of this philosophy in the month they replied that this month was the richest ex - know the stages of your conflict, so you spent working together on issues of con - perience he had had throughout his 34 can design your response appropriately. Is flict, identity, peace building and trauma years. US Scholar William Bett answered, there a process that you can put in place healing. ‘It was truly an incredible experience I when there is a need for immediate ac - will carry with me for the rest of my life. tion? Avoid the tyranny of a single solu - Since 1991 the program has taken place Caux is a place you can’t quite describe to tion.’ at the conference center of Initiatives of someone unless they have been before.’ Change in Caux. It examines the various Del Vecchio observed, ‘The commitment These are words born out of experience factors which create and sustain conflict, of the people in charge of the program, and study from Caux Scholars Program as well as how to deal with differences. along with the welcoming and open com - (CSP) faculty member, John Katunga ‘Diversity is beautiful and at Caux I munity created by Initiatives of Change, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, learned this again and again’, said Caux really helped to make the experience all who works in Darfur and other challeng - Scholar Janjarang Kijtikhun from Thai - that it was for the students.’ Asked why ing spots in East Africa. He counselled land when asked to describe her top in - somebody should attend next year, Ki - how important it is to study conflict sight. ‘Above all,’ she added, ‘I learned jtikhun replied, ‘It was truly a life chang - analysis so as to improve the chances of the importance of the relationship be - ing experience for me. The program gives arriving at a solution grounded in the ini - tween individual transformation and you the skills, but more importantly, the tiatives, needs and aspirations of those ex - changes in the world.’ Khalil El-Masry, attitude you need for building peace for periencing the conflict. Katunga bases his an Egyptian Caux Scholar, observed, ‘My the world.’ work on a deeply felt belief that we are so - main insight was the idea of a conflict be - cial beings who need each other. Eighteen ing a motor of change, an opportunity to Kathy Aquilina and Martin Baumann

16 CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 TRAINING

Caux Interns Program: Workshops, intercultural exchange and hard work

For the 10th year, 70 young people from all over the world have come to spend a month in Caux, to take part in a unique leadership program. Here is what Jessica from Lebanon and Amica from the UK will remember from their experience.

ow did you the workshops were theoretical. I was a bit Taking time in silence for me is a skill. Hlearn about Caux? disappointed and thought that I could You really need to be in harmony with Jessica: (photo above, bottom, centre, in have got this information from the Inter - yourself in order to understand what you the kitchen) One of my university profes - net. But the workshops make a difference want and what you need and to take deci - sors was a member of Initiatives of because they help you discover who you sions based on your values. It’s not easy. Change (IofC) in Austria a long time ago. are, challenge the way you think and learn Now I know what I need to do in order to He posted a link on Facebook to the IofC what you want from this life. Now I have be a better person and to have a better website. Out of curiosity, I just applied. the determination to go back home and life, reflecting this in my community and When I got the letter that I was accepted change what I want to change and apply eventually my country. I was so excited! all what I learned here. Amica: In the UK, especially in the Amica: (photo above, bottom, right, at Amica: It is very much centred around South, IofC is not as big as it could be. the reception desk) My grandparents and the philosophy of IofC, that is inter-gen - I’ve been hearing about the School for my parents were part of IofC so my whole erational and cross-cultural dialogue and Changemakers in Liverpool (a joint proj - history is tied up with Caux, and yet I had internal reflection for personal change, al - ect between IofC UK and the Liverpool never been before. I really wanted to learn lowing you to create changes in the out - Hope University) and I would really like more about IofC and why my family ded - side world. When we find a spare mo - to start some similar initiative, to get peo - icated so much of their lives to it. ment we can participate in conferences ple interested. We have done a lot of lead - and all the rest of the time we have things ership and negotiation training which will Can you tell me more about the program? like salsa or henna nights and all kinds of really be valuable. I really feel more confi - Jessica: The program is divided into two madness! Who knew that cultural ex - dent though, and I feel that I have tools at main sections; participation in workshops change could be this fun? my disposal for whatever I’d like to do and sessions, and the assistance in differ - next. ent departments. I’m part of the kitchen How do you think you will use the skills you Interviews by Adriana Borra team. It was not my preference because learned? I’ve never been in a kitchen but I think Jessica: We learnt about different person - that was a call because I loved it. At first, alities and how to speak to an audience.

CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 17 ECONOMY

TIGE 2 01 0: Ready to act! A conference of participation leading on to action

The fifth ‘Trust and integrity in the global economy’ conference, from 12 to 17 August 2 01 0, looked at new ways ‘to help create a just and equitable global economy’ through listening, sharing and action.

acilitated by a team of motivational Fspecialists, the conference provided a unique space for reflection to seek mean - ing in the business world and tackle complex global problems. For six days, the 200 participants from 38 countries met to share their ideas through honest conversations aimed at liberating their potential for action in daily life. This re - sulted in a raft of initiatives of action and projects .

Amira Elmissiry, Assistant to the Secretary General of the African Development Bank Group, spoke at the opening: ‘Most of us have the tendency of listening only to make up our minds whether we agree or disagree. We are thinking about what we are going to say, a counter-argument, rather than actually hearing what is being said. Traditional structures have high - lighted the importance of silence in solv - ing complex problems. Silence has power because the most important thing is to stop talking, or to stop habitually repeat - ing. If you’re digging yourself into a hole, the first step is to stop digging. If what you’re doing isn’t working, the first step is R. Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director, Tata Sons, India, giving the ‘Caux Lecture’ to stop; and silence is about stopping.’ The conference highlighted the needs for new economic thinking. This was tance of integrating social concerns at the humanity on the way towards a united illustrated by the two guest speakers, heart of economic decision-making. Busi - world’, calling for a return to ethical val - R. Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director, ness must be at the service of society, and ues and a culture of giving rather than Tata Sons and a Member of the Group must give back what it gains. ‘We have having and possessing. An ‘Economy of Executive Board, Tata Group, and Maria been born into the world to live in coexis - Communion’ was a concept developed by Voce, President of the Focolari move - tence. We have not been born to be Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Foco - ment, who both from their different per - greedy and selfish,’ he said. In answer lari movement, after a stay in Brazil in spectives called for greater sharing of re - to a question from the audience, Mr 1991 and seeks to create a culture of giv - sources in the world of business. Gopalakrishnan noted that ‘traditional ing and sharing. ‘Businesses must become capitalism is perhaps not dead, but it is communities of people linked together by ‘Traditional capitalism is certainly in intensive care’. Civil society real relationships,’ Voce said. Values of co - not dead, but it is certainly was increasingly questioning the avarice operation, trust, listening, love for truth, in intensive care’ of some business leaders. ‘Capitalism that and participation can all help produce is not in harmony with nature and hu - creativity and innovation and respect for For the Indian business leader, the eco - manity will not survive,’ he said. the dignity of persons. nomic crisis went back to a ‘deficit of trust’. Drawing on his experience with the Maria Voce spoke on ‘Economy of Com - The TIGE conference aimed to act as fer - Tata Group, he insisted on the impor - munion, an instrument at the service of tile soil for new ideas. ‘You can plant a

18 CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 seed and hope that with enough water of Transparency International in Latvia movement, biodiversity and hunger, and and light it will grow into a plan,’ said led this work stream with Amira Elmis - the importance of the links between farm - Artjoms Konohovs, one of the organizing siry, from the African Development Bank. ing and politics. The group discerned the team. Participants sought to find ways to ‘bring importance of developing an internet plat - ideas to fruition’ by identifying the real form to exchange information, a project The conference also wanted to provide needs of their societies and learning to started already last year. Bridging the gap the tools needed to transform these ideas communicate their ideas. But as one par - between consumers and producers was into action. Four work streams were ticipant noted, the most important ele - also discussed. formed, each contributing to global ment is ‘having a fire in one’s belly’. change through liberating participants’ Juan Carlos Kaiten, Collective Intelli - An innovative part of the conference was potential for action. The search for new gence Practitioner/Researcher, from Mex - the Project Hub. Don de Silva, CEO, ways to build a just and equitable econ - ico, Rishab Khanna, co-founder of the In - Changeways International, led a team of omy passes through an inner exploration, dian Youth Climate Network, and Zaid experts, who provided round-the-clock which may often require personal trans - Hassan, Director, Reos Partners UK, led a help to participants to transform ideas formation. work stream on ‘Solving complex prob - into action, people becoming projects on lems in a global society’ and helped par - the move. The Hub unleashed a raft of Honouring the deep questions ticipants to a deeper understanding of initiatives for change, ranging from a mi - about meaning and purpose teamwork and the importance of bring - cro-credit scheme for youth, to new edu - ing ‘frictions’ into the light of day, and of cation programmes, and a campaign to Myrna Jelman, coach and leadership de - using our creativity and trusting our in - shift economic thinking and promoting velopment consultant at Ashridge Con - stincts, in order to solve problems. entrepreneurship in village communities. sulting, UK, guided participants in her work stream on ‘Seeking meaning in a Bridging the gap between At the closing session, participants com - business world’ to honour the deep ques - consumers and producers mitted themselves to individual or collec - tions about meaning, purpose and passion tive plans, in their family circles, in their at work that will become the seeds of The work stream on ‘Food, consumer re - professional work and beyond. To help in change. It is likely that generative initia - sponsibility and a sustainable economy’ this process, Juan Carlos Kaiten intro - tives may come from an honest inquiry was led by Lavinia Sommaruga Bodeo, duced participants to the networking site into how we can integrate the demands of Policy Development, Alliance Sud, a Swiss www.wiserearth.org which allows individ - our professional life with our desire to live network of development organizations, uals and organizations to collaborate on by ethical values. In this search, becoming and Cristina Bignardi, an organic farmer, issues like climate change, poverty and more at ease with the unknown is a neces - who is secretary of Initiatives of Change global peace. It is a practical tool for ex - sary stage of the process. As one partici - Italy and Project Manager of Pace Adesso changing information, ideas and experi - pant noted, ‘There are no magic solu - – Peace Now. They examined together the ences. tions, it is the process that matters most.’ cultural history of food and how to pro - Mélanie Courvoisier This process was also at the heart of Inese mote a critical awareness among con - Voika’s work stream on ‘Social entrepre - sumers. They also examined the ‘Economy neurship for social change’. The founder of Communion’ concept of the Focolari

CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 19 ECONOMY

Towards an economy of relationships and giving

Maria Voce, the President of the Focolari movement, spoke during the ‘Trust and integrity in the global economy’ conference. She talks about the Focolari concept of the ‘Economy of Communion’.

brother, a sister. We are brothers because this other and myself share the same fa - ther. This is the communion that we try to live out between ourselves in our move - ment, through our meetings, and through sharing what we have, our material goods as well as spiritual sharing. Then we try to broaden this to others, to all those we meet.

You talk of the need for this to become a sci - ence. Why? Everything starts with life, but it is ideas that create revolutions in the world. Life has to be translated into ideas, to stir up ideas that shift other people. We’ve started to live out an economy of com - munion through businesses that have started to live and operate in this way and share their goods, their wealth. But very early on, students wanted to study this approach, to research it. Bit by bit, cer - tain principles became clear that could be applied to other businesses. There needs to be a scientific approach to applying these principles. It’s all the more impor - tant given that at every level, we share a spirit of dialogue. If we open a dialogue between Christians and people of other faiths, shouldn’t we also dialogue with s this your share them. They keep a percentage for people of science and culture, experts on Ifirst visit to Caux? the development of the business. Another these questions, who are searching for so - No, I’d already heard about Caux because I chunk goes to helping the poor and a lutions? came here some years earlier with Chiara third part goes for training. Lubich, our movement’s founder, when What are you keenest on in this idea of she spoke here. I was struck then by certain Economy of Communion? affinities that exist between the approaches ‘Life has to be translated The training of new men and women. I of Caux and the Focolari movement. We think we have to train individuals who are both work for peace and for the unity of into ideas, to stir up ideas equipped to be people living in commun - the human family, and a dialogue on every that shift other people’ ion. They will be able to work out an level. This has always touched me. economy of communion.

You promote the Economy of Communion. Could you say a little more about this idea Interview by Adriana Borra Can you explain what happens when a firm of communion and the relations between becomes part of this project? people? Firstly of course, the manager needs to Communion, we could say, goes far be - know our movement. In his or her busi - yond just the field of the economy. Com - ness, people need to accept a new culture munion means seeing ‘the other’, whether of reciprocity, brotherhood and giving. he or she is from my country, my religion, When businessmen make profits, they or another country, another religion, as a

20 CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 MEDIA

Caux in the media Philippe Mottu – a pioneer of Caux dies at the age of 97 International Switzerland

The unlikely and inspiring Nigerian duo At the Caux Forum, Monseigneur Philippe Mottu, one of the founders of Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor Nicodème Barrigah, a bishop from Togo, the Caux conference centre, died on James Wuye were in Switzerland last week detailed the aims – and the limits – of the Monday, 23 August 2010, in Lonay. at the Caux Forum for Human Security. truth, justice and reconciliation commis - Several Swiss media reported his death, Their partnership is unlikely because they sion that he has chaired for the last year. also the Geneva-based newspaper Le were militia leaders on opposite sides of Its role is to bring to the light of day the Temps: the conflict in northern Nigeria and lost troubled past of this West African country. ‘He went into the Swiss foreign service not only friends but parts of their own www.protestinfo.ch, 20 July 2010 (during the Second World War) and bodies as combatants (James wears his ar - had touches with the German resist - tificial arm proudly). It is inspiring be - Swami in a business suit: ‘What are the ance (to Hitler). […] At the invitation cause they are powerful exemplars of the urgent needs of low income consumers, of his friends in Moral Re-Armament possibility of reconciliation. and how can we meet their needs at a sig - (now Initiatives of Change), Philippe Katherine Marshall, nificantly lower price than comparable Mottu went to the USA to convince www.washingtonpost.com, 19 July 2010 competing articles on offer?’ This is, ac - the Americans to come to Europe and cording to R. Gopalakrishnan, the deci - participate in rebuilding the relation - The Third Caux Forum for Human Secu - sive question that an entrepreneur has to ship between France and Germany. rity closed on Friday with the launch of a answer if he wants to achieve lasting suc - It needed big thinking. They chose ‘call to action’, underlining the urgency of cess with his enterprise. Caux […]. Adenauer, Robert Schuman the problems of poverty, hunger, climate Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 16 August 2010 and many others found there the nec - change, diminishing natural resources as essary momentum to overcome the well as war and conflict. The Third Caux Forum for Human Se - hurts of the past. […] Sixty years later, La Croix, France, 19 July 2010 curity ended on Friday with the launch of the work of Mottu and his friends con - a ‘call to action’. During one week, the tinues, and the initiatives for reconcili - 350 participants from more than 50 ation that come to birth in Caux are countries took up the urgent questions supported by the Swiss Foreign Min - linked to poverty, hunger, climate istry. change, the depletion of natural resources Paul-Emile Dentan, Le Temps and conflict. 24heures, 19 July 2010

A musical journey around the world

n Saturday 14 August, there was a the many countries they have visited. The tives of Change, then known as Moral Re- Ounique musical event: a concert Colwells, an American Country and West - Armament (MRA), and since the mid-six - with the Colwell Brothers and pi - ern group, first came to Caux in 1953. ties with the musical show Up with Peo - anist/xylophonist Herb Allen. They Ever since that time, together with Herb ple, a programme that grew out of MRA treated their audience to a musical journey Allen, they have been ‘musical ambassa - and has involved some 20,000 young peo - round the world, with songs written for dors for a better world’, first with Initia - ple from 35 countries.

CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 21 LIFE IN CAUX

Finding perspective and peace

we live in a society that demands per - a spirit of solidarity which impressed me: formance before it opens its doors to us. no-one was left to carry their problems This helped me to have confidence in my - alone. Then there was a time with one par - self, and gave me a longing to do things ticipant who couldn’t relate to anything that take me beyond my petty preoccupa - that they were hearing. That made the dis - tions. The openness of spirit that I found cussions tricky to handle. But they saw here helped me get over an experience of that they had to let go and trust others. exclusion that I’d experienced. I find here Caux is about such moments of awareness. perspective and peace. It’s a bit like a re - My ‘community group’ during the Hu - treat, examining my life in the light of all man Security conference was a real gift. that I hear here. We couldn’t wait to meet together each day! We experienced such deep, challeng - What were you doing this summer? ing sharing of real experiences. The free The organizers of the first conference in - day in the middle of the Forum was also évérine Chavanne was one of the dis - vited me to help lead one of the discussion special. We went out together for a picnic, Scussion group leaders during the con - groups where participants could share and without meaning to, found ourselves ferences ‘Learning to live in a multicul - their experiences. And then I was asked to climbing the Rochers de Naye, which rises tural world’ and ‘Caux Forum for Human stay on and do the same thing for the fol - up to 2000 metres. We stuck at it, and Security ’. lowing conference on Human Security. helped each other – and then what a sense of achievement when we finally got to the What does Caux mean to you? What were your outstanding experiences? top! But what a relief as well to be able to Caux is like a stirrup, to help me get a leg Firstly, in the opening conference, there take the train down to Caux, thanks to a up into the saddle. The benevolent atti - was a real team spirit among the organiz - collection, to pay for everyone’s rail fares! tudes towards me that I always feel here ers, a young group, well organized and have always meant a lot, at a time when well structured. It was dynamic. There was Interview by Nathalie Chavanne

22 CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 LIFE IN CAUX

‘Bonds of trust and understanding’

aux is a world unto itself. And what I had, of course, heard much about Caux one another. The caring and support I re - Ca world! A mountain village of before this summer, but nothing prepared ceived every day from other members of breathtaking beauty where one can actu - me for the actual experience. Arriving in this team will remain a special part of my ally experience in a very real way, the ideal this picturesque Swiss village from Mon - memories of this summer. world one dreams about. treux with three new friends from Initia - IofC has a wonderful tradition of peace - A world where young and old, black and tives of Change (IofC) France, I got making and building trust across the white, Christian, Jew, Hindu and Bud - caught up in the spirit of this unique in - world’s divides by facilitating personal dhist, believers and non-believers, liberals ternational centre that actually does build change and the healing of painful memo - and conservatives live and work together, bridges of trust and understanding in a ries caused by war and other forms of share experiences, hopes and dreams in deeply divided world. human conflict. Miracles do happen in peace and an atmosphere of incredible With spectacular views of Lake Geneva this very conference centre that graciously trust for a week or a whole summer. Where against a backdrop of mountains, Moun - welcomes and hosts people from around the rising sun’s rays filtering in through tain House welcomed me graciously like a the world. Former foes become friends, one’s bedroom window, invite even the gentle Queen Mother. As I settled in and strangers get to know one another and care weariest traveller through life to refresh began to fulfill my responsibilities as a for one another. Bonds of trust and under - and renew himself/herself through quiet member of the organizing team of the standing are formed and the world be - reflection. Where the magnificent setting ‘Learning to live in a multicultural world’, comes a better place as a result. sun brings a quiet close to hectic days of the opening conference of summer 2010, I am so blessed to be part of it all. When panel discussions, workshops and meetings my days and evenings were a hectic whirl these weeks are over, I will return to my charged with the energy and dynamism of of action balanced by quiet reflection and home in Ottawa, Canada, enriched by idealists and optimists – people of thought lively conversations with people from new friendships, strengthened by a re - and action – determined to change a world around the world. newed determination to bring positive that is mired in conflict and scarred by The organizing team of international vol - changes to my community and armed poverty, injustice and environmental unteers quickly bonded together in a spirit with concrete plans to achieve my goals. degradation. of cooperation and incredible support of Who could possibly ask for more? Susan Korah

French-speaking Africa: Leadership training in Caux

to his country to set up a research insti - tute for democracy and human rights. ‘There is so much bitterness, and the need for reconciliation is enormous. It’s hard to know where to start. Today, we’re building a democracy on founda - tions of sand; the election process which is under way will solve nothing. But I still leave here with much hope and with fresh ideas.’ These speakers were part of a group of French-speaking Africans who came to Caux 8 –9 July for a leadership training programme organized by the Swiss For - eign Ministry. The interactions between arrived here without hope,’ said Cha - mission in Togo, and his courage, gave me participants were an important part of the ‘I dian lawyer Mahamat Hassan, who is ideas, as did the courage of Burundian two days. The participants are working on head of the committee of enquiry into friends, who have transcended the divi - the ground in the difficult situations in human rights abuses in his country under sions of their country. If only we could do their countries, with a common commit - the regime of Hissène Habré. ‘The way in that, then there’d be hope for us.’ ment to build up democracy, maintain which Monsignor Nicodème Barrigah- ‘After 50 years of political violence, peace, and create a dialogue between po - Benissan (another of the participants) everything’s destroyed,’ said Aliou litical figures. leads the Truth and Reconciliation Com - Barry, from Guinea, who had returned Frédéric Chavanne

CAUX REPORT 2 01 0 23 CAUX 2 011

International Caux Conferences 2 011 3–8 July 26– 31 July Transform yourself – Learning to live in a Transform the world multicultural world around you Diaspora and peacemaking Training by Initiatives of Change in Europe

10– 17 July 2–8 August The fourth annual Caux Trust and integrity in the Forum for Human Security global economy (TIGE) Caux as a resource for the exploring ways to help world’s peacemakers create a just and equitable global economy

See our website for more information: www.caux.c h/2 011

About us

The International Caux Conferences have rope. It is the federating body bringing to - been taking place since 1946, exploring gether the national bodies of Initiatives of ways to transform society through Change which are active in 39 countries. changes in individuals and relationships. www.iofc.org They are organized by CAUX-Initiatives of Change in collaboration with Initia - tives of Change International. Contact CAUX-Initiatives of Change is a charita - ble Swiss foundation, working to promote CAUX-Initiatives of Change peace, prevent conflicts, build trust and PO Box 3909 encourage intercultural dialogue. It is a CH-6002 Lucerne member of Initiatives of Change Interna - E-mail: [email protected] tional. www.caux.ch Tel +41 41 310 12 61 Fax +41 41 311 22 14 Initiatives of Change International is a non-governmental organization, working Initiatives of Change International for peace, reconciliation and human secu - 1, rue de Varembé, PO Box 3 rity worldwide. It has Special Consulta - CH-1211 Geneva 20 tive Status with the Economic and Social E-mail: [email protected] Council of the UN (ECOSOC) and Par - Tel +41 22 749 16 20 ticipatory Status at the Council of Eu - Fax +41 22 733 02 67