INTERNATIONAL CAUX CONFERENCES REPORT 2014 www.caux.ch

Exploring the Human Factor in Global Change CONTENTS

Conferences are organized by the CAUX- Foundation (CAUX-IofC) and Initiatives of Change (IofC) International every year in Caux, above , in . CAUX-IofC is a charitable Swiss foundation that owns and runs the Caux Conference Centre. It is a founding member of IofC International.

This report is a short overview on each conference of the 2014 season. For more information on individual conferences, including videos and pictures, please visit our website www.caux.ch/2014.

Editorial 3 Children as Actors Transforming Society 16

Facts and figures 4 Impact Initiatives for Change 18

Award 5 International Peace-Builders’ Forum 20

Special events 6 Caux Scholars Program 22

Addressing Europe’s Unfinished Business 7 Interns and Volunteers 23

Caux Dialogue on Land and Security 8

Trust and Integrity in the Global Economy 10

Just Governance for Human Security 12

N.B.: ‘Caux’ is often used as an abbreviation for the Caux Conference Seeds of Inspiration 14 Center and the community of volunteers, interns, staff and participants.

2 CAUX REPORT 2014 EDITORIAL

Caux: Real and Relevant

I have spent the last three years in- plored the imperative to enable geopolitical events around the timately involved in the Caux-IofC participation of younger people in globe; the discussions were, and re- programme of events. When asked co-creating the future. Economic main, more than ‘close to home’. ‘what do you do for the rest of the challenges have been examined Our volunteers’ survey reflects that year?’ I assure the questioner that since 2006 through the Trust and lives have been profoundly and pos- while it may seem as though the Integrity in the Global Economy itively impacted by the activities in conferences just materialize some- (TIGE) conference, driving forward Caux. A lasting memory of 2014 for time in June, preparation starts at truly sustainable economic models me will be hearing a paper aimed at least one year prior. I help coordi- and providing structures and train- peacebuilding presented by Russians nate an incredible, largely voluntary, ing to support them. This was and Ukrainians read out in the ple- group of people who carry the closely connected to Heart of Effec- nary the very day the Malaysia Air- preparations for conferences, the tive Leadership (HEL), Entrepre- lines flight came down. Not long service departments and pro- neurs, Pathfinders, Innovators and after that, on August 4th, we com- grammes throughout the year to Changemakers (EPIC) and Impact memorated the centenary of the bring the summer season to life. Initiatives for Change. There was first shots of World War I. There are profound and exciting also some much-needed time dedi- developments emerging across the cated to the sharing of inspiration Have we progressed in taking on conferences and other summer ac- and creativity between changemak- responsibility for the future since tivities, as well as some very power- ers in this year’s second edition of then or are we hiding behind our ful reminders of why Caux needs to Seeds of Inspiration. digital interfaces? One thing is sure: exist. the need for safe spaces, like Caux, Two new events were launched: for people to meet, face to face, in Building on the narratives of previ- Addressing Europe’s Unfinished a way that can facilitate changes of ous years, pressing issues were Business, forging a think-tank for a heart and direction towards peace, tackled in 2014. We examined the constructive repositioning of Eu- responsible politics and economics, gritty reality of ongoing rope, and the International Peace- and sustainable living. I am proud to and conflicts in places such as Builders’ Forum using the platform play my part in that effort. , Gaza, South Sudan and of Caux to promote vital refresh- during Just Governance ment and connection between for Human Security. Developed those working for peace. with high-level international part- nerships, the Caux Dialogue for Overall there was little ‘gap’ be- Land and Security conference fo- tween the conversations taking Nick Foster cused on the need to reduce con- place over the dining room tables Conference Manager flict to recover dry and wetlands and the news flooding in via the in- CAUX-Initiatives of around the world. The exciting mo- ternet. Indeed some volunteers Change Foundation mentum that is Children as Actors represented countries, communities in Transforming Society (CATS) ex- and even families traumatized by

CAUX REPORT 2014 3 FACTS AND FIGURES

Caux Conferences – Summer 2014

People 1551

142 64 ˾ Participants 1153 ˾ Volunteers 142 ˾ Interpreters 64 19 ˾ Staff 19 75 ˾ Interns 75 29 ˾ Scholars 29 29 ˾ Artists 29 ˾ Visitors/Guests 74 74 ˾ IofC Global Assembly 57

57

Nationalities 104 ˾ Europe 71 % ˾ Asia & Middle East 11 % ˾ Africa 8 % ˾ N. & S. America 8 % 1153 ˾ Australia 2 %

Age groups 861

350 300 ˾ Amount 250 200 150 100 50 0 690 0–5 6–18 19–25 26–35 36–45 46–60 61–80 80+ ˾ female 861 28 199 239 346 215 289 210 25 ˾ male 690

4 CAUX REPORT 2014 AWARD

IofC awarded the fourth Ousseimi Prize for Tolerance IofC rewarded for its ‘relentless contribution to greater tolerance’.

he ceremony began with a speech by Mrs Ousseimi then made the presentation ‘strength to know how to listen to the TAmbassador Anne Lugon-Moulin, and outlined the reasons for honouring other to try to understand them, so that a Head of the Sub-Saharan Africa Division Initiatives of Change with this award, dialogue based on mutual respect can take of the Swiss Federal Department of For- whose previous recipients include Nelson place’. eign Affairs, in which she congratulated Mandela, stating that Initiatives of the Caux Conferences and Initiatives of Change has ‘systematically and relent- The Ousseimi Foundation endorses the Change for their innovative methods. lessly contributed to greater tolerance in idea that ‘success is meaningful only if its our complex and divided world’. fruits are shared with others’. Initiatives of Change International and the CAUX- In his acceptance speech, Cornelio Som- Initiatives of Change Foundation are maruga, Honorary President of Initiatives therefore happy to share this distinction of Change International, called for re- with the numerous volunteers, conference sponsibility to be globalized to usher in a participants, organizers of the Caux con- tolerant world. He stated that in order to ferences and with the Initiatives of Change achieve this, we need personal change to- international network – in recognition of wards ‘honesty, transparency, humility their decisive contribution towards initia- and freedom’. Mr Sommaruga added that tives of change. tolerance is ‘a courageous act’; it is the

Anne Lugon-Moulin, Omnia Marzouk, Maria Ousseimi, and around the 4th Ousseimi Prize for Tolerance

CAUX REPORT 2014 5 SPECIAL EVENTS

World War I Commemoration On 3 August Caux commemorated the centenary of the declaration of WWI by sharing stories and reflecting on the future of promoting peace.

ntoine Jaulmes, President of CAUX- Antoine Jaulmes, AInitiatives of Change, opened the president of ceremony by sharing elements from his CAUX-IofC, own history, the war having divided the opens the ­Commemoration German and French sides of his family. Ceremony He reminded those present that ‘our re- sponsibility, as French, Germans and Eu- ropeans, is to remember that since 1914 we have initiated two world wars. We have done this either actively, or we have stood by passively, not knowing how to stop it. It is therefore our responsibility to put into place all that we can to stop further conflicts and to mend the damage caused Participants did not stop at remembering to gather around the tree planted in re- by the previous ones.’ Given IofC’s work the millions of victims of the First World membrance of the Jewish refugees housed to solve conflicts and prevent new ones, it War, they also commemorated all those in Caux during the Second World War. In was fitting to commemorate the First who continue to suffer from ravaging con- silence, each person placed a rock at the World War in Caux, even though Switzer- flicts around the world. At the closing of foot of the tree, as a symbol of their com- land was spared. the commemoration, people were invited mitment to peace.

20th anniversary of the Caux Round Table (CRT) Principles for Business ‘Do not start to write a declaration about what other people should do but start with your own company and begin with the changes that will solve the problem.’ Frederik ‘Frits’ Philips, co-founder of the Caux Round Table

obert MacGregor, one of the initia- good – and the importance of Human Rtors of the CRT Principles for Busi- Dignity. The CRT presented the Princi- ness, invited conference participants for ples at the United Nations World Summit an evening of reflection and story-sharing. on Social Development in 1995. They The Caux Round Table was founded in quickly became what MacGregor claimed 1986 at a time when a trade war between are one of the ‘most widely used’ codes of Japan and Western economies was feared. best practice around the world and have The CRT imagined a greater role and been translated into 12 languages. ­responsibility for business in social and economic aspects of society. In July 1994, The 81-year-old MacGregor closed by senior business leaders from Europe, urging young entrepreneurs to live and act ­Japan and the USA formally launched the the way they would like to see the CEOs Caux Round Table Principles for Busi- of big corporations act and live. ness, a predecessor of today’s Corporate Social Responsibility principles. They in- cluded the Japanese concept of Kiyosei – liv- Robert MacGregor shares the history ing and working together for the common­ of the Caux Round Table

6 CAUX REPORT 2014 ADDRESSING EUROPE’S UNFINISHED BUSINESS ‘Actions for a more peaceful, more united Europe’ Addressing Europe’s Unfinished Business (AEUB) sought to reconnect European peoples with the ‘peace and reconciliation’ inspiration of the European project as presented in the Schuman Declaration* of 9 May 1950.

otivated by the 2014 European com- Mmemorations of the 100th anniver- sary of the start of WWI and of the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, the two-day seminar provided a good op- portunity to reflect on some of the current European challenges:

• Changing paradigms in the eastern re- gions of Europe; • The challenge of immigration; • Ethnic identities and minority rights in a democracy; Catherine Guisan, Antoine Jaulmes and Cornelio Sommaruga • War-based or peace-based identities – or how to associate national identities in a common story-telling about European Academy of National Economy and Pub- one participant, Katerina from Ukraine, history and values. lic Administration, and Antoine Jaulmes, put it: ‘This seminar helped me under- President of the CAUX-Initiatives of stand what this agreement really meant On 27–28 June, AEUB brought together Change Foundation, were keynote speakers. for Ukraine. I will try to bring back that participants from 20 different countries. knowledge to my country.’ Cornelio Sommaruga, former President of When referring to Europe, AEUB refers the International Committee of the Red to the member countries of the Council of Participants had the opportunity to dis- Cross (ICRC) and Honorary President of Europe. Representatives from Ukraine, cuss and exchange their personal positive Initiatives of Change International, Cath- Moldova and Georgia were in fact present and negative experience of Europe, in ple- erine Guisan, political science professor at at the seminar at the very time their gov- naries and workshops. Various initiatives the University of Minnesota, Aurora Mar- ernments were ratifying Association to help pave the way for a more inclusive tin, professor at the Russian Presidential Agreements with the European Union. As and cohesive Europe were born, including:

• An appeal to European governments to take concrete measures in line with uni- versal principles of Human Rights and dignity regarding the treatment of ille- gal immigrants (you can find the state- ment on our website www.caux.ch); • Projects to encourage Ukrainian, Arme- nian and Georgian youth to understand European institutions, through recipro- cal visits, cities twinning and other ini- tiatives; • A four-year project to help spread rec- onciliation stories throughout Europe.

To reflect further on the personal and global challenges of Europe it was agreed to convene a longer seminar next year. AEUB will take place for three days from 16 to 19 July 2015.

*First document to promote the creation of the European Union

CAUX REPORT 2014 7 CAUX DIALOGUE ON LAND AND SECURITY

‘Mitigating Risk; Responding to Threat’ Two hundred people took part in the second Caux Dialogue on Land and Security (CDLS) from June 29 to July 4. Organised by Initiatives for Land, Lives and Peace (ILLP) in partner- ship with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and Interna- tional Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), its aim was to address the connections between poverty, conflict and land degradation.

his year’s conference brought together Encouraging trust Trepresentatives of the private sector, and partnerships government, academia and civil society with about 40 NGOs of which nearly Many activists mistrust agri-business par- three quarters were represented at Caux ticularly those businesses which develop for the first time. Major new stakeholders and market Genetically Modified Organ- were present such as NATO, the Interna- isms (GMO). Both sides of this divide tional Organization for Migration (IOM) were represented at the Caux Dialogue, and the Ramsar Convention on the world’s and engaged in lively discussions. ILLP wetlands. Monique Barbut, Executive and Caux hope to continue to provide a ­Secretary of UNCCD, and Julia Marton- platform for such conversations, believing Lefèvre, Director General of IUCN, both that land restoration on the scale required participated in the programme. cannot be achieved without the resources and expertise of business, sustainably ap- A strong delegation came from , plied. where ILLP, Initiatives of Change Kenya Luc Gnacadja, former UNCCD director, and Excellent Development have on-the- During the Dialogue two networks – and Jamie Shea, Deputy Assistant ground projects integrating both technical Drynet, a global initiative for the develop- Secretary General for Emerging work and trustbuilding, in a partnership ment of drylands, and World Overview of Security Challenges at NATO arising out of the 2013 Caux Dialogue. Conservation Approaches and Technolo-

Reaching a new generation: ‘2050 – hopes and realities’

Caux is first and foremost a place for en- get some honest feedback and points of counters. About 50 students and young view from the audience. professionals present at the CDLS confer- ence had the opportunity to meet in an The experts then asked the young peo- informal meeting with Monique Barbut, ple what they were doing for ‘our home, Julia Marton-Lefèvre and Martin Frick, the earth.’ Many participants described diplomat and Chair of the ILLP Steering their commitment, whether it was Group. The youth and the experts shared through networks or local actions. their hopes and dreams, but also their concerns for the future. Both Julia Marton-Lefèvre and Mo- nique Barbut applauded these youth- First, the experts shared their personal lead initiatives. Marton-Lefèvre called stories, how they started their professional for further action: ‘Make a commit- careers and what really motivated them. ment to go home and get involved! Your The discussion then went on to the state generation can do it! Keep in touch of the carbon market, the cost and benefit with each other, networks across bor- of land restoration for farmers, youth in- ders are so important. Run for office!’ volvement in local initiatives, the role of women in agriculture and a changing Af- As night fell, the experts and the youth rican society, and the future world leading parted ways, feeling richer thanks to an Julia Marton-Lefèvre, IUCN, and countries in international negotiations. It exchange characterised by real and au- Monique Barbut, UNCCD, in was an opportunity for the youth to ask thentic concern for the earth’s future. conversation with a Caux intern questions, but also for the senior staff to

8 CAUX REPORT 2014 Agri-business representatives share a panel with NGO representatives

Imam Ashafa Dryland millet is served to illustrate Film Premiere the benefits of land restoration

Following the success of The Imam and the Pastor and An African An- Initiatives of Change in collaboration swer, Alan Channer’s latest film with IUCN and UNCCD is taking dis- about ­Nigerian peace-builders Pastor cussions around these concerns into the James Wuye and Imam Muhammad international arena. They are shared by Ashafa Tchad – un chemin vers l’espoir the local people of drylands and vital to (‘Chad – a path towards hope’) was their livelihoods and security.’ premiered during CDLS. It shows how a nationwide network of media- Scaling up land restoration tors is being set up and trained in Ambassador Laura Thompson, Chad, to build trust between divided Deputy Director General, International There are many successful land restora- communities and to promote good Organization of Migration tion projects around the world, which governance. Both protagonists were have been shown not only to increase food present at the premiere. Pastor Wuye and water security and economic develop- said he hoped the film would be gies (WOCAT) – signed a mutual collabo- ment, but also to reduce or prevent armed ‘used as a catalyst for initiating dia- ration agreement. In its closing statement, conflicts. The 2014 Caux Dialogue high- logue in African Francophone coun- Drynet stated: lighted some of these projects and fo- tries.’ This film is meant tobring cused on what conditions are needed to help about reconciliation. The Imam ‘This year’s Dialogue highlighted debates enable a massive scaling up of land resto- continued: ‘We want to build a around land grabbing, insecure land user ration. bridge of reconciliation with all the rights, different drivers of land degrada- human family, and that’s why we’re tion such as soil sealing, chemical con- here to participate in this confer- tamination and displacement of people. ence.’ The pastor concluded: ‘We It was a great honour for Drynet members hope to go back immediately with to participate and contribute to this year’s the ideas we have gathered here to Caux Dialogue on Land and Security. implement pragmatically on the Drynet is a network of Civil Society Or- ground the solutions we are hearing ganisations in 15 countries working with about in the workshops.’ local communities of drylands. For this reason, Drynet highly appreciates that

CAUX REPORT 2014 9 TRUST AND INTEGRITY IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

TIGE visit to Nestlé ‘Inspiring people and purpose for head­quarters in Vevey ­sustainable prosperity’ It is often in times of crisis that innovation takes place. As the global economy is still strug- gling to recover, the vibrant 8th annual TIGE conference gathered an incredible mix of experts and leaders from all walks of life and backgrounds to talk about new models of economy and of global community. TIGE has proved once more that not only are new models possible but that some already exist.

n his opening keynote speech Christian is my drive every day. It’s about creating IFelber, renowned economist and initia- beauty. It’s about creating true luxury that tor of the social movement ‘Economy for brings wellbeing to everybody that is in the Common Good,’ advocated for an touch with it.’ economic model that aims towards the common good and cooperation rather Pedro Langre, Managing Director of the than financial profit and competition. Fel- Oxford Leadership Academy Mexico, ber wants to ‘rewrite the rules to make spoke of the importance of leading re- sure economic players can be successful sponsibly, ethically and from the heart in while being ethical’. order for businesses to grow. Lisa and Charly Kleissner, founders of the KL Fe- Guya Merkle shared her inspiring story on licitas Foundation, adopted a more indi- how she became the owner of a luxury vidual point of view. ‘How can we, as in- jewellery business at the age of 21 due to dividuals, be doers of justice in the econ- omy?’ they asked. They promoted ‘impact investment’, the commitment to invest in projects that contribute to a fairer world. Business Leaders Forum Kleissner stressed that integrity is to act according to our life goal and our values. In parallel to the conference, an inter- national group of 20 senior business Emma Ihre, Special Advisor in Sustaina- leaders and academics gathered in ble Business for the Swedish Ministry of Villa Maria for a three-day Business Christian Felber advocates for a com- Finance, tackled the important exemplary Leaders Forum (BLF). Inspired by mon good approach to economics role of public entities and explained how the ethos of Caux they met to share the Ministry of Finance ensures that state- insights and launch an initiative to- owned corporations become sustainable. wards a globally sustainable economy, her father’s sudden death. After some She referred to the fact that it is important based on trust building and ethical soul-searching and a visit to the gold to recruit directors who have ethical val- leadership – a hallmark of the spirit mines of Uganda and Peru, she opened up ues and a corresponding attitude: ‘We of Caux. a market for ethically sourced gold, by be- must dare to have high expectations and ing the main instigator and buyer. ‘This focus on transparency and cooperation.’

10 CAUX REPORT 2014 EPIC: Entrepreneurs, Pathfinders, Innovators and Changemakers

Young professionals and entrepreneurs Rochers de Naye, a symbolic physical il- filled with great expectations and want- lustration of overcoming inner and outer ing to defy the status quo found kin- hurdles. From UN workers to young so- dred spirits in this year’s new workshop: cial entrepreneurs to individuals looking EPIC. Marcello Palazzi, founder of Pro- for a new orientation in their lives, the gressio Foundation, Netherlands, is one participants left the programme ener- of the creators of the workshop: ‘The gized, empowered and equipped with a word leadership is overused. We real- new supportive network. ized that there are these four categories of people that are shapers, heroes of our EPIC has been so successful that the society: the Entrepreneurs, the Path- workshop will become a conference in finders, the Innovators, and the 2015, teaming up with the Impact Initia- ‘The EPICs are people Changemakers.’ For one week, young tives for Change Conference. who don’t take things active individuals from various back- for granted, and act grounds, selected by Palazzi challenged Leire Corra, Strategy Consultant at De- and supported each other, sharing expe- loitte, concluded: ‘When you are stuck in towards change.’ riences and best practices as well as new the routine it becomes hard to change and perspectives and ideas. They also took be aware of the greater scheme. Coming time to reflect and connect with them- here gives you peace and time to stop and selves and with nature, enjoying the think.’ scenery of Caux and hiking up the

Bernard Lietaer, author, financial expert, was made possible by Pascal Gréverath, and co-designer of the ECU (the mone- Nestlé’s Assistant Vice-President and tary mechanism that later became the Head of Environmental Sustainability. Euro), presented compelling arguments for new financial systems and alternative The ideas expressed during the TIGE currencies. Lietaer drew the bigger picture conference were reinforced by a statement of a failed currency system in need of to the organizing team from the Vatican’s change. ‘Every dollar you see is someone’s Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace, debt; governmental, corporate or private. that called for an ‘inclusive economy, That is what we now consider normal, but which implies a market economy, ani- that is far from normal.’ According to mated by a pluralistic entrepreneurship him, this approach makes money unsta- and guided by principles of social justice ble. It amplifies business cycles and con- and generosity’. centrates wealth through interest. His solution for long term sustainability is a On the same note, Monsignore Stefano new type of currency called Terra that is Ottani, President of the Ecclesiastical Economist Bernard Lietaer based on the most important commodi- court in Bologna, spoke about putting the ties of the market. This way, the Terra is economy back in its rightful place. ‘The less volatile, fully backed and is issued economy is here to meet people’s needs’ he based on inventory. said. He reminded participants that, ety- mologically, profit means do (fit) for (pro), Profit must benefit people i.e. ‘acting for the benefit of.’ ‘Profit must therefore benefit people, it must serve In the workstream Leading Change for a them.’ Sustainable World, developments in social and environmental responsibilities in the private sector were addressed. As part of a case study on the positive impact of soci- ety’s pressure on profit oriented compa- nies for greater transparency and greater sustainable practices, TIGE participants visited Nestlé’s Shared Value Department in Vevey, in which matters of responsible Panel on trust and integrity in business sourcing, community development and with Guya Merkle and Pedro Lange human rights issues are addressed. This

CAUX REPORT 2014 11 JUST GOVERNANCE FOR HUMAN SECURITY­

‘Structures and personal qualities which foster ethical, inclusive governance’ ‘There is a massive trust deficit in the world today. How do we address this?’ askedMichael ­ Møller, Director-General of the UN Office at . He went on to answer his own ques- tion: ‘I take inspiration from the ethos which underpins the initiative of Caux – the centrality of the individual. The only way to build trust is between people. Structures are enablers, people are the doers.’

r Møller was speaking in a plenary Mon ‘Trust as a key to peace’ during the conference on Just Governance for Human Security. The five-day conference brought together 200 people working for better governance in 32 countries. Many of them came from situations of conflict and tension – from Israel and Palestine, from Turkey and Armenia, from Somalia. They came searching for steps which could unite warring factions. The confer- ence focused on the human factors which enable both leaders and citizens to work together towards an inclusive, democratic approach.

Sahel Delegation

28 civic and political leaders and govern- They valued the discussion on dealing ment officials came from Mali, Chad and with the past, both with the FDFA team Niger, sponsored by Switzerland’s Federal and, during the conference, with experi- Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). enced mediators such as Matthias Stiefel, The FDFA has been sponsoring groups to founder of Interpeace. Many of the group Caux from the region for the past four have suffered from past injustices. ‘My life years. This year the group included gov- has been punctuated by arrest and prison’, ernment ministers and former ministers, said Dr N’gothe, MP, President of Chad’s parliamentarians, senators, academics, Economic and Planning Commission, jurists, journalists, directors of NGOs, an ‘and when I first came to Caux I was filled imam and a pastor. They arrived four days with hatred and destructive forces. As a early to take part in workshops led by a victim of the regime of Hissen Habre, I team from the FDFA on ‘Dealing with was determined to put him on trial. But the Past’. Then most of them stayed on for the exchanges which took place here the conference on Just Governance. changed me, and my response to the injus- tice of the past has also changed. Maybe there is a different way to achieve justice.’

During the conference, they sought strat- now advising the International Anti-Cor- egies to improve governance. ‘Without ruption conference. Neil Buhne, Director any exaggeration,’ said a senior official, of the United Nations Development Pro- ‘bad governance and corruption were the gramme’s (UNDP) Bureau for Conflict cause of crisis in Mali.’ Prevention and Recovery in Geneva, de- tailed a variety of approaches to defeating Overcoming corruption corruption, including little-known success stories such as Botswana and Bhutan. Prof A series of workshops on defeating corrup- Eugene Sensenig-Dabbous of Notre Dame tion were led by Katherine Marshall, for- University led a workshop on mer Senior Advisor to the World Bank, overcoming corruption in the extraction of

12 CAUX REPORT 2014 Rama Mani and Yolande Ambiana ‘Trust as key to Peace’ Plenary ­performing ‘Healing the wounds of war’

natural resources, a concern he has become Going out from Caux involved with as a result of the discovery of oil in the sea off Lebanon. Among the From Caux the participants have speakers was Farai Maguwu, Director of gone out with new energy to grapple Zimbabwe’s Centre for Natural Resource with the difficult situations they face. Governance. ‘My experience at Caux led In the Sahel, the Chadians have cre- me to apologise to my brother,’ he said, ‘a ated a local association, the ‘Reflec- step which healed our broken relationship. tion Group for Peace and Develop- This opened my eyes to new possibilities in ment in Chad’. Caux groups are my work. As a human rights advocate I emerging in other Sahel countries. have exposed much abuse in our extractive ‘The spirit of Caux,’ an oft-used industries. But I had never thought of talk- phrase in their circles, represents hope ing to them. When I phoned a mining for a different kind of relationship company notorious for bad community between people. One participant relations, and asked for a meeting, they mentioned the ‘sincere approach that were amazed. We met and talked for two comes from the heart and stands in hours. They asked us to help overcome stark contrast to official narratives on their impasse with the community, and national reconciliation’. they are heeding our advice.’

Conflict, corruption, abuse of rights Ukraine and Russia – these are some of the issues that preoccupy their discussions. As There was also valuable experience from She was one of 35 Ukrainians who came Michel Kipoké, a founder of the Ini- Ukraine on confronting corruption. from East and West Ukraine and from tiatives of Change programme in the Hanna Hopko is the coordinator of a civil Crimea. There were also a number of Rus- Great Lakes region of Africa, said: society movement there, the Reanimation sians. Intense discussion took place be- ‘Initiatives of Change does not solve Package of Reforms, which is fighting cor- tween them all, sometimes heated. Yet problems, but it creates the atmos- ruption through developing laws which people recognised the importance of gen- phere in which they can be solved.’ reform the judiciary, the tax system for uine dialogue, however painful. Out of mass media, and much else. Many NGOs these discussions came a ‘Platform for have joined them, and over 150 people Ukrainian-Russian Contact, Dialogue with relevant expertise are working to de- and Initiatives’. While condemning Rus- velop ideas and draft legislation. ‘We work sian aggression towards Ukraine, they say with a group of 24 Members of Parlia- that it is vital to build bridges between ment,’ she said. ‘So far the Parliament has their countries, and they commit them- adopted 10 laws which we have developed. selves to ‘improve relations through dia- Each has been a difficult struggle.’ logue and joint initiatives’. Not all par- ticipants felt able to endorse it, but many did. It is now circulating in Russia and Ukraine, and civil society activists in both countries have written asking to cooperate with this Platform.

Russian pianist Victor Ryabchikov

CAUX REPORT 2014 13 SEEDS OF INSPIRATION

Finding Inspiration through Arts and Reflection The Seeds of Inspiration conference returned to Caux in 2014 for a second year. Singing, ­dancing, painting and creative workshops formed part of the programme, as well as oppor- tunities for personal reflection, meditation, and free time to relax and let friendships develop.

‘Humour and laughter … a blend of the serious and the flippant. Both are vital.’

he event offered more than 70 par- Tticipants a deeply human experience; an opportunity to reconnect with them- selves, go back to their roots and to reach out to other people. At the heart of the conference were the community groups, where participants met each day for dis- cussion and/or to serve in the kitchen or dining room. Their exchanges were fed by thought-provoking plenary sessions. The first included a message from a woman who had been unable to leave Syria to Commedia Gillet, the Swedish theatre company, livened up the SEEDS conference

SEEDS and the arts: Following a Caux tradition

It was during the SEEDS conference brought rap and rock acts to the Caux that Caux’s embracing of the arts came stage. The SEEDS conference was a across the strongest. Caux has always strong illustration of how art can be more used the arts in its approach to recon- than a mere exploration of creativity. Art ciliation, recognizing both the different can also be a tool for transformation perspective they bring to situations, and which challenges people to expand their the power of self-discovery they carry. perspectives and understanding of others. Throughout the years, Caux has been a place for theatre representations, film showings, live music, photographic ex- hibitions, painting, writing, and nu- merous other artistic expressions. Par- ticipants have been moved towards change in new and different ways through Caux’s exploration of the arts. During this year’s conferences, partici- pants were able to hear music performed by musicians from two countries whose conflict has shaken Europe: the Russian pianist Victor Ryabchikov and the Ukrainian violinist Dima Tkachenko. Participants were also encouraged to step across the generational gap, as Mu- sic for Cities, a British initiative to rein- tegrate troubled youth through music,

14 CAUX REPORT 2014 Concert Pianists Victor Ryabchikov from Russia and Penelope Thwaites from Australia with Ukrainian violinist Dima Tkachenko Music for Cities brings a rock music act to the Caux theatre ­attend the conference, calling for forgive- ness, responsibility, respect and healing. ‘Without this we will continue to be torn Workshops ranged from ‘Finding the and perspectives can meet heart-to-heart apart, and we will all suffer, because we Clown within’ to mindfulness. Evening and connect both with each other and are one fabric’ she said. This theme was programmes included a screening of the themselves. Seeds of Inspiration follows further developed the next day in a session film, Beyond Forgiving, which tells a re- this Caux tradition, and seeks to reflect on conflict and forgiveness. markable story of forgiveness from South the ‘spirit of Caux’ in its focus on personal Africa; a presentation by the Swedish development, spiritual openness and the In an innovative plenary on inspiration, theatre company, Commedia Gillet; a building of relationships. participants were arranged in two concen- one-man play about the Christmas truce tric rings around four story tellers. As each during World War I; and a talent evening. of these spoke about their lives, the inner From its earliest days as a conference cen- ring responded by writing and the outer tre, Caux has been a place where people ring by drawing, painting or modelling. from different countries, backgrounds

Meet Amina just a training program, but a personal tool, as I am learning more about this living in the UK and originally from So- topic in the process. We live in a very un- malia, who has worked with IofC for 7 safe world that seems to become ever more years, promoting peacebuilding and rec- corrupt. We see war everywhere. Promot- onciliation in schools. ing peace and reconciliation requires something beyond just energy and invest- Can you tell me about your involve- ment of time. It requires real people, who ment with the Seeds of Inspiration can give the right leadership. conference? Amina I was part of the coordination team With everything that is going on in the and was asked to run a workshop on world, your home is your only sanctuary. Peace begins at Home. This project is If you don’t have safety and security there, that change within us. Peace begins at so dear to my heart because it was then where can you turn? In Europe there Home is very much around that. Being drawn out of my journey in life, in- are a lot of broken homes, and that is a part of Seeds of Inspiration was one cluding the struggles of growing up great concern. Great Britain has the worst step towards the change that I wanted during the war in Somalia and moving record of family breakdowns in all of Eu- to create. If I had any expectations, this to Europe with my parents in search of rope. If you don’t have the right relation- conference exceeded them by far. It a safe haven. These experiences made ship with your family members it becomes brought back the element of spiritual- me look at the intergenerational con- very hard to find peace within yourself. If ity, as a Connector between who we are flict within diaspora communities and our motto at Caux is ‘Be the change you and what we do. This connection was draw up a training program. It is not wish to see in the world’, we need to feel at the core of Seeds of Inspiration.

CAUX REPORT 2014 15 CHILDREN AS ACTORS FOR TRANSFORMING SOCIETY

Young Advocates for Change In its second edition, CATS centred on children’s participation. Twenty-five years ago, the International Convention on the Rights of the Child promised children the right to participate; the promise has been slow to come, and one of CATS’ dreams is for the promise to become reality. This year’s theme, ‘Young Advocates for Change,’ saw 170 young people and children out of 367 total participants from around the world come together to discuss various topics including children as advocates, educators, health activists, and media makers.

he aim was to bring together chil- vian delegation – created and written by Tdren, young people, and adults who children and young people at the confer- Meet Ricardo from the are all actively engaged in children’s issues ence, in coordination with a Council of Peruvian Delegation to share their experiences and find ways Europe representative, to take back and forward together to move child participa- present to the Council. In addition, con- tion from promise to reality. Jonathan ference participants supported the ‘Save Levy, one of the conference’s main coor- Funky Dragon’ petition to convince the dinators, noted that Caux’s longstanding Welsh government to continue funding history of creating the right conditions for Funky Dragon, the Children and Young everyone to find their place made it an People’s Assembly for Wales, and a part- ideal environment for such a gathering. ner of the CATS Conference. The programme was put together follow- ing a strategic document, crafted by the CATS 2014 was a success. Not only was CATS Advisory Group, a group made up it the best attended conference of the mainly of children. Highlights of this summer – extra beds and mattresses were Alex’s dream comes true year’s conference included a mock chil- needed to complement the 425 normally dren’s court in the style of Janus Korczak, available – but it also had engaging speak- ‘This conference confirmed the ideas renowned children’s rights advocate, and ers. Participants heard first-hand stories of we had on the empowerment of a ‘Speakers Corner’ where all participants children’s participation in society from youth. Our work in youth education could argue their opinions in front of the young people from Peru, India, , is at a level that others in Caux are public. This year’s conference saw practi- Romania and the UK. They finished the still aiming for – how gratifying to cal results including a draft of the Caux week off invigorated and motivated to see that we are not going against the Declaration on Children’s Rights to Par- spread the word about the positive effects current, but that there are bigger in- ticipation – an idea initiated by the Peru- of children’s participation. stitutions that are aiming for the same results and that they will part- ner with us for the wellbeing of the youth!

We can do big things with the people we met here and with the youth from Peru. We should not get discouraged, even if we encounter many chal- lenges. As a small institution we might not be able to give the kids big meetings in a castle, but we can create many small castles in each of them, so they can then themselves teach other kids.

It’s important to send the kids to these conferences – it really helps them develop and make their dreams come true. Alex, for example, had al- ways wanted to sing on stage, and he was able to do it here. It wasn’t easy to get Alex to Caux, but his smile on that stage made it all worth it.’

16 CAUX REPORT 2014 Focus: Photovoice

Photovoice is a charity based in Lon- don but working worldwide. It is based on participatory photography with marginalized and vulnerable commu- nities. Photovoice provides photogra- phy tools, so that people can be self- advocates and bring about change. They work in partnership with other locally-based organisations. Half their projects involve children.

At this year’s conference, two Albanian children were able to present their pho- tos, which had allowed them to discuss issues that affect their lives and their communities with local representa- tives, politicians, diplomats and minis- ters who were present at the exhibition of their work. During the project, led in partnership with World Vision, chil- dren not only learned about photogra- Altin and Francesca, from Albania, phy, but they also gained great confi- share their story dence in themselves.

When asked about what she had Altin, 12, presented his picture (above) ‘We all have a shadow, and the learned through the project, aside from with the explanation: ‘We all have a colour of the shadow is the same photography, Francesca, 11, said ‘In one shadow and the colour of the shadow is for everyone.’ of the pictures I said “I am not afraid of the same for everyone.’ Photo: © Altin Dulja, World Vision, anything.” That’s what I learned.’ PhotoVoice

Lumos: founded by the traditionally be institutionalized and iso- and explain the process that Lumos un- author of Harry Potter lated from society in many countries. dertakes to empower them. Thanks to the support offered to their families and edu- Active participation is not an exclusive Lumos works with NGOs, governments cators, these children have been able to concept, but one that is open to all mem- and communities to ensure that every enter mainstream schools, and are in- bers of society. This was exemplified by child has a right to participate in decisions volved in the decision-making processes the delegation sent from Lumos, founded that affect them. During the CATS con- that affect their lives. by author J. K. Rowling, which works to ference, children who had been helped by uphold the rights of children who would Lumos had the opportunity to present Michaela, 25, spoke about her involve- ment in educating adults. Having learned how to improve exchanges between adults and disabled children, Michaela finds that it is easier to find solutions that suit eve- ryone and feels she is trusted more by the adults surrounding her. While her parents are still learning to trust her over issues of money and administration, Michaela is living an independent life and is actively involved in advocating for children’s rights. This is something that she could never have achieved had Lumos not stepped in. The participation of Lumos at CATS strongly illustrated the value of giv- ing a voice to all members of society, showing that active participation can in- deed be accessible to all. Lumos delegation performs at CATS

CAUX REPORT 2014 17 IMPACT INITIATIVES FOR CHANGE

‘Diversity and dialogue for social transformation’ From 3–8 August Impact Initiatives for Change (IIC) took place for the first time. Having evolved from the Learning to Live in a Multicultural World conference, IIC focused on personal development, reflection and putting your ideals into practice.

alking the twin trail: IIC brought was experienced literally by the partici- Taking action: The afternoons were fo- Wtogether change agents from pants when they climbed to the top of cused on action. The programme encour- across the globe representing different Rocher de Naye early one morning. aged all participants to leave the confer- backgrounds and cultures. The heart of ence with a plan of action for their own the conference was based around the so- Starting with oneself: IIC took partici- individual or group project for social called twin trail of inner growth and outer pants on a journey to (re) discover them- change, with a measurable impact to be action. Meanwhile, four themes were ex- selves and their passions. Silent time was implemented in one year. Inspired by the plored: the art of listening, the art of offered three times during the day to give speech of Martin Luther King, partici- alignment, the art of creation and the art everyone the opportunity to reflect upon pants started with a poster to visualize of commitment. Walking the twin trail their experiences. their dream. The following days, they

The first time a Cauxplenary­ is held on the Rochers­ de Naye

IIC participants left at 6 a. m. and risky, but the effort was worth it in the climbed 1000 metres in three hours to end. It proved that consumers are looking reach the Rochers de Naye, the summit for ethical alternatives in all areas of their that looms over the Caux Conference lives, even in the technology they use. Af- Center. Breakfast was enjoyed at the ter a three hour hike, the participants top before the theme of the day, The could certainly identify with the idea of Art of Creation, was discussed. overcoming difficulties to obtain positive results. Surrounded by spectacular views, Tessa Wernink from Fairphone explained The Art of Creation was not just about how her company, which deals with creating ideas, but it was also about creat- ethical smart phones, came into exist- ing bonds between people, and this was ence. From just an idea and a small the main point of the climb to the top. All dedicated team, Fairphone was able to of IIC’s participants have committed to manufacture an initial 5000 smart- carry out a project together, and this phones last year, and immediately had climb was a team-building exercise which to place another order to meet demand. encouraged participants to support each As she said, setting up the project was other through a challenging time.

18 CAUX REPORT 2014 Interview with Michael Sternberg, facilitator, conflict transformation specialist, Israel

socially structured; we get very attached nity, freedom and who search for ways to our assumptions. When we have a of making this happen. I think that a group of people who work together even conference like this moves us in this if it is only by talking to each other, we direction. realize that there are more narratives than the narratives we grew up with. We learn I also find inspiring the fact that we about the pains of others, the hopes of make it practical. We had so many others and others become human. Then participants with the desire to do we can create bridges of communication. something in order to make the world We can break away from our own way of a better place, and here we create the perceiving reality; we realize it is not only initial steps towards action. The idea about us. We can recognize this way that of this conference is that there will be there is a shared humanity. a follow up. The participants are in- vited to collaborate in order to make Why did you get involved in this con- their ideas come true. And this is tre- ference? mendous. If out of 70 let’s say, five What do you find is the biggest hur- We live in a globalized economy; a lot of come up with exceptional ideas and dle when you try to resolve conflict? the benefits are due to this, but also many stay committed to them, then in one One of the biggest challenges is how to of the difficulties. I think we can have a year we can have five initiatives that broaden the scope of our thinking. It global network of individuals, groups, involve hundreds, or maybe even thou- is very interesting how the emotions people in organizations who are deeply sands of people who will be affected by are not only something private, but are committed to work towards equality, dig- what we had this week.

worked towards choosing their theme, forming groups and taking the first steps towards implementation. Experienced and trained facilitators from various European countries guided the process. More than 10 different projects came out of IIC such as The Green Mosque to make Dutch mosques more sustainable, Link2Job to increase opportunities for unemployed young people in Spain and Portugal, and Art Aid which focuses on providing ­asylum seekers in Sweden and Denmark with art tools to process their experiences.

Instituto de Asuntos Culturales, Spain, presents the project it developed ­during the conference

CAUX REPORT 2014 19 INTERNATIONAL PEACE-BUILDERS’ FORUM

‘Connecting personal and systemic approaches to Peacebuilding’ This new conference was launched in response to the need for greater resilience among peacebuilding practitioners, who are dealing with increasingly entrenched and complex conflicts.

he International Peace-Builder’s Fo- Trum aimed to increase interagency Creators of Peace and intersectorial coordination within the peacebuilding sector. A peace-builders’ Creators of Peace is a global pro- fair was organized, providing the oppor- gramme which has enabled thou- tunity for peacebuilding agencies from sands of women to discover their role across the world to network and showcase in peacemaking. Some of them met their projects. Available throughout the at Caux during the conference, in- four-day forum, it provided a great space cluding a group from . One for side conversations and emerging col- Burundian wrote after their meeting: laborations. ‘We set out from Caux, if not healed, at IPF also sought to enhance the resilience least healing, carrying each other’s bur- of peace-builders (‘personal approach’), dens, with projects to carry out. We will leading to a wider and deeper impact of remember the woman who is going to their work (‘systemic approach’). The af- visit the family of the person who killed ternoon workshops were designed to em- her family. And the woman who has power peace-builders. They allowed par- decided to pay to the killer of her parents ticipants to share experiences but also to the debt which her parents owed him. informally discuss important emerging And who would have guessed that I issues in the sector. would find my brother’s murderer and tell him that I forgave him? We are Participants were given the choice to take ­finding freedom from the hate which part in one of three workshops: gnawed at us, and holding out hope to those who flee at the approach of their 1. Peace-builder self-care and resilience: victims.’ dealing with compassion fatigue and Finally, IPF sought to raise awareness on burnout the importance of an integrated approach 2. Creating safe space and story sharing as to Peace-building. Representatives from ingredients for personal peacebuilding governmental agencies and from the pri- 3. Personal and structural dimensions in vate sector were invited to the forum to conflict transformation. foster dialogue about the integration of peace-building work in other sectors in society.

Some of the most powerful moments of the conference were experienced during the group sessions where participants shared their life stories, and how they got involved in peacebuilding, what their rea- sons were for staying involved and what were their day to day realities. These ses- sions motivated and inspired many par- ticipants.

20 CAUX REPORT 2014 Instruments of Peace arts. Among the performers were six stu- been working in Iraq during peace dents from Gorey Community School, talks and there are such incredible IPF opened with a performance by In- the largest secondary school in Ireland, ­people here who have achieved so struments of Peace, an Irish organiza- which was chosen as a model for imple- much …, but I didn’t think I’d have tion that promotes peace through the menting peace through education and the anything to contribute, yet in this set- arts. ting here, everyone’s opinion is valued.’

In a short interview, Katie, aged 17, spoke Grainne Mulcahy, teacher and chap- about her love of writing, and how she can lain at Gorey Community School, deliberate for hours when choosing the pointed out that when people pursue right word. She thinks that in real life, their passions, they are energized and conflicts can be avoided if people just take they transmit this feeling to everyone the time to be careful with their words, else they meet. By bringing the ideas ‘You never know the impact they can of Instruments of Peace into the class- have’. room, students are taught that peace- building starts with small steps, begin- Jessie, also 17, explained why she enjoyed ning with oneself. By learning this, this conference so much: ‘I was talking to children can easily implement peaceful the former Egyptian ambassador who had steps in their everyday lives.

Compassion Fatigue that in humanitarian, peacebuilding or in Senior Research Professor for Trauma, fact any caretaking jobs, talking about Forgiveness and Reconciliation Studies at Caretakers are very good at helping others emotions and feelings is often seen as a the University of the Free State, South but have the tendency of ignoring them- mark of weakness. The presumption that Africa, focused on the emotional, philo- selves. Participants of the Peace-builder everyone is strong, even when facing trau- sophical and psychological impact of deep Self-care and Resilience: Dealing with matic situations is a false one. However, trauma and shared ways on how to help Compassion Fatigue and Burnout work- this situation is never really addressed in address it. Art, theatre or dance is often shop were reminded of the emergency professional settings. Dr Hart described used to release tension, find balance and procedure in an airplane: ‘Make sure you the different stages of compassion fatigue, address the trauma in a relaxed but also put the oxygen mask on first and then not to be confused with a burnout, al- liberating way. The workshop closed after help others.’ Dr Barry Hart, Professor of though both result from a toxic work en- participants talked about their experiences Trauma, Identity and Conflict Studies at vironment and have similar symptoms. with trauma and how they have dealt with Eastern Mennonite University’s Center After a short film about compassion fa- it or not. The workshop broke taboos and for Justice & Peacebuilding, remarked tigue, Dr Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, was an eye-opener to many.

CAUX REPORT 2014 21 CAUX SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Caux Scholars Program Some impressions from our Bringing together a very proactive network of communications interns: 19 scholars from 16 different countries.­ ‘Caux isn’t just about the conferences. It’s about the people that you meet and the conversations that this space enables. Personally, this was the most enriching thing that I experienced. Not only was I fortunate enough to work within a very supportive and talented team, but I also made great friends from several continents, which gave me an insight into many cultures that I had not previously had contact with. In Caux, there are no barriers, only people, and it’s for this very reason that so many people come he 2014 Caux Scholars brought a di- the world. Dr Pumla Gobodo-Madiki- back every year.’ Tversity of knowledge and principles zela, Senior Research Professor at the Uni- – ANNE, Ireland to Caux this year. Through role playing, versity of the Free State and one of the 17 teambuilding, and conference organizing, commissioners of ’s Truth ‘Luckily for me, it was part of our the 2014 scholars combined traditional and Reconciliation Commission, came as tasks as communications interns, to education with practical application. The a guest lecturer. Each year, scholars par- attend all the conferences taking program rests on three pillars: 40 hours of ticipate in a Caux Summer Conference. place in Caux over the summer, academic classes and seven hours of ser- This year, they had the privilege to fill the which proved to be very enriching. I vice each week, skill acquisition, and per- role of facilitators and organizers of the discovered a lot about a wide range of sonal transformation. But there is more: International Peace Builders’ Forum. On topics such as land degradation, lead- at its core, CSP was about learning about top of a busy schedule, scholars also par- ership, and child advocacy. Most of other cultures, developing meaningful re- ticipated in a CSP reunion and were able all, I really became aware that I am lationships, and finding personal and pro- to interact with 24 alumni from 11 previ- concerned with these issues, even fessional inspiration. ous classes. though land degradation or child abuse is not happening around me. I During a field trip, scholars visited the CSP will officially launch a Caux Scholars am responsible for taking action, even United Nations in Geneva and the Quaker Program at the IofC Asia Plateau Centre if it is a very small one. This is what United Nations Office (QUNO) where in Panchgani, India, from 28 December I bring back from Caux, along with a they learned about QUNO’s work all over 2014 to 16 January 2015. lot of new friendships with the amaz- ing people I met there, starting with my outstanding communications col- leagues!’ – ELODIE, Switzerland

‘I have always had the bad habit of Caux Interns Programme breaking glasses. A sign of good luck, most people would say, but I never The Caux interns have long been a part of the functioning core of the thought I was a lucky person. Until conference centre operations. This summer, a total of 66 young people the summer of 2014 when I had the opportunity to be part of the “Caux- from 27 countries, along with a multinational faculty, converged at the munications” team as an intern. On former Caux-Palace to be part of the experience. top of a welcoming group of people and a great venue, I had the chance to become part of the political, eco- nomic, social and cultural affairs fab- very year, the program is graced by a ric unfolding in the world. Each of us Ediverse group of interns ranging from grew in our abilities, learned from accomplished medical doctors to first-year each other, and contributed to issues university students, who are prepared to we never dreamed of being part of, challenge themselves and who have a and our strong teamwork made the thirst for personal and global change. dream work!’ Working alongside volunteers and confer- – DELIA, Romania ence participants, the Interns Programme is an opportunity for young people to

22 CAUX REPORT 2014 INTERNS AND VOLUNTEERS

­experience the full richness of Caux. After having experienced the Interns Pro- What makes the programme unique is its gramme and the lifelong relationships blend of service-based responsibilities to- that are built throughout it, many interns gether with the leadership training pro- return to the conference centre year after gramme that provides tools for explora- year, taking up new responsibilities to tion of change; inviting interns to explore contribute further to the operational their own principles of leadership and backbone of Caux’s vision. The structure what their role is in the world. They are of the programme has evolved over the soon reminded that one has to be the years, and is now moving into its second change to see a change! year of being managed by a ‘steering team,’ which consists almost exclusively of It is common for interns to leave at the alumni that work around the year to make end of the programme with intentions of the programme engaging and sustainable ‘paying it forward’, and this year was par- for years to come. ticularly special; the questions of how to make the Interns Programme sustainable and more accessible to young people were picked up by the interns themselves, as they launched fundraising initiatives or- ganised on behalf of future interns.

Caux Volunteers Programme www.caux.ch Volunteers make the Caux Conferences possible, and have always been E-mail us at: [email protected] a strong driving force behind Initiatives of Change activities. Over the Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/CAUX.Iofc summer, volunteers supported the conferences, working in various de- Our YouTube Channel partments or conference teams. youtube.com/user/CAUXIofC

Our Twitter Handle: @CAUXIofC

volunteers came to Caux this CAUX – Initiatives of Change: 175 year, some new, some who have Conference Centre been coming for many years. Volunteers Rue du Panorama 2 who have been involved for some time CH-1824 Caux, Switzerland provide invaluable background knowledge P + 41 (0)21 962 91 11 F + 41 (0)21 962 93 55 about the ‘how and why’ of the conference centre, which is amplified by the energy Geneva Office and capacity that new people pro- Rue de Varembé 1 vide. Many volunteers are in fact gradu- CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland ates from the Interns Programme who P +41 (0)22 749 16 20 want to continue participating at Caux. Luzern Office The CAUX Foundation is currently seek- ing hard in an unusual circumstance with Luzernerstrasse 94 ing certified recognition for the work vol- people from all over the world. ‘Building CH-6010 Kriens, Switzerland unteers do in Caux. Generational and bridges across the worlds divides’ happens P +41 (0)41 310 12 61 cultural diversity is one of the richest as- naturally as people cook together, make pects of the experience. Learning and beds together, run the sound desks and Publisher: growth comes from spending time work- lighting in the theatre, etc. During Ram- CAUX-Initiatives of Change ­foundation adan this year, for example, which took Editors: place during the conferences, non-Mus- Thaïs Ruegg, Stéphanie Buri lims chose to learn what this period of Texts and photos: fasting is about from an Islamic perspec- Stéphanie Buri, Thaïs Ruegg, Delia Malaut, tive. The real power of volunteering at ­Elodie Malbois, Anne Reid, Stefanie Marxer, Frédéric Chavanne, Conference Teams. Caux lies in the friendships made, the awe derived from the beautiful scenery around Proofreaders: Andrew Stallybrass, Andrew Lancaster, the Caux-Palace, and having life-chang- ­Marianne Spreng, Ulrike Ott Chanu ing opportunities to meet incredible peo- Design and Print: ple and do things that you never dreamed Brunner AG, Druck und Medien, 6010 Kriens, you’d try. Switzerland, October 2014

CAUX REPORT 2014 23 International Caux Conferences 2015 Exploring the human factor in global change

26 June – 1 July 2015 16–19 July 2015 10 –15 August 2015 Trust and Integrity in the Addressing Europe’s Impact Initiatives of Change/ Global Economy Unfinished Business/ EPIC: Entrepreneurs, International Peace-Builders’ ­Pathfinders, Initiators and 3–8 July 2015 Forum Change-makers Just Governance for Human Security 27 July – 2 August 2015 Children as Actors in 10–14 July 2015 ­Transforming Society Caux Dialogue for Land and Security 4–9 August 2015 Seeds of Inspiration

INITIATIVES OF CHANGE FOCUS AREAS spirit, building bridges of trust and (IofC) community between people of sim- Trustbuilding: Peace and social ilar, different, and even antagonistic, is a world-wide movement of peo- cohesion by building trust and rec- backgrounds. ple of diverse cultures and back- onciliation across divides. grounds, who are committed to the Silence: IofC places the search for Ethical Leadership: Good gov- transformation of society through inner wisdom at the heart of its ap- ernance at every level by develop- changes in human motives and be- proach. While some understand ing a leadership culture based on haviour, starting with their own. this experience as divine guidance moral integrity, compassion and and others see it as the leading of The CAUX – IofC Foundation selfless service. conscience, many find that the regu- is the Swiss body of IofC Interna- Sustainable Living: Economic lar practice of silence can give ac- tional and an officially recognized justice and environmental sustaina- cess to a source of truth, creativty independent charitable foundation. bility by inspiring transformation of and inspiration. It manages activities in Switzerland, motives and behaviour. as well as the conference centre, Taking focused action in con- the former APPROACH crete situations. above Montreux. IofC focuses on the link between VISION personal change and global change. Its approach involves: A just, peaceful and sustainable world to which everyone, respond- Starting with oneself: An hon- ing to the call of conscience, makes est look at one’s own motives and their unique contribution. behaviour is often the starting point for personal transformation. MISSION Listening to others: With its in- To inspire, equip and connect peo- tergenerational, multicultural and ple to address world needs, starting interreligious diversity, IofC enables with themselves. honest conversations in an open