Mohamed Sahnoun with former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in Caux, 8 August 2007 (Photo: Edward Peters)

The Caux Forum for Human Security, held in the picturesque Swiss mountain village of Caux, was initiated by Ambassador Mohamed Sahnoun, a former Special Advisor to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

More than ever, the complexity of the world's problems demands a new level of cooperation between actors from different fields. A multi-sector, multi-level approach has been a feature of Caux conferences for 60 years. The holistic approach of the Forum enables the cross-pollination of thinking and experience between the interdependent aspects of human security.

The first Caux Forum, in July 2008, brought together some 300 people from 52 countries. They included those working at the 'grassroots' and leaders in their respective fields. During the 5-day conference, led by 25 expert panelists, they addressed the ‘root causes’ of human insecurity under six headings: social and economic conditions, armed conflicts, environmental factors, good governance and the rule of law, wounded memories, religious and cultural dimensions.

The second annual Caux Forum, 17-22 July 2009, opened with a keynote address by Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan. It brought together 300 people from 69 countries working for peace and human security at all levels. The event confirmed the decision to create a ‘Caux Declaration’. The plan is to launch it at the 2010 Caux Forum. Drafting will be informed by extensive international consultation.

The third annual Caux Forum for Human Security will be held 9-16 July 2010. Attendance by personal invitation only due to space availability. 

The Forum is organized by Initiatives of Change International and hosted in partnership with CAUX-Initiatives of Change. The 2008 conference was envisaged as the first in a series of five or more annual events.

Forum Objectives

• To create a learning environment focused on answering basic human needs
• To model a values-based approach to human security, emphasizing listening and attention to past hurts
• To generate a new dynamic in diplomacy by inspiring collaboration between citizens and leaders in action for peace, human security and sustainable development
• To develop the potential of Caux as a resource for human security initiatives

Intended Outcomes

• A Caux Declaration
• Initiatives to strengthen global partnerships and coalitions for human security
• Increased resources, needed to expand actions stemming from Caux Forums

Vision & Background

A different approach to human security. More...

Organizers & Funding

The Caux Forum for Human Security is organized by Initiatives of Change International and hosted in partnership with CAUX-Initiatives of Change.

We are grateful for the generous support the Forum has received from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the Irene Prestwich Trust in UK, Initiatives of Change national bodies and many individuals. More ...