The first Caux Forum last July took a holistic approach, exploring the roots of human insecurity in poverty, poor governance, wounded memory, environmental degradation and religious and cultural differences.

Now we confront a cascading economic crisis and a growing rapidity in global warming. Caux Forum participants have been among those proposing a ‘Green New Deal’ to address these crises. They are encouraged that the concept is being taken up by national leaders in both developed and developing countries as an effective way to revive growth, stimulate employment, build sustainable economies and lay foundations for the low carbon prosperity the world needs.

Caux Forum 2009 will focus on these two crises, and their underlying causes. As various political leaders have emphasized, these crises take us into uncharted waters. Technology can help towards solutions, but cannot provide all the answers. We need radical change in the world’s ways of dealing and deciding.

Solutions depend on finding unprecedented levels of trust and collaboration across boundaries of sector, nation, party, privilege, regional antagonism and historic memory. President Obama’s call for “a new era of responsibility” must become a reality.

Caux, the Swiss centre of reconciliation operated by Initiatives of Change (IofC), offers a unique ambiance in which to address these issues. With its emphasis on listening, dialogue and personal responsibility, it provides a space where interactions on a deeper plane often give unexpected impetus to the quest for solutions.

What strategies will most advance human security? What might be our contribution to these, individually and collectively?

Ambassador Mohamed Sahnoun
Founder and Chair, Caux Forum for Human Security (CFHS)

2008 CAUX FORUM REPORT: 
In English:  High resolution (5Mb) / Screen resolution (2Mb)
In French: Screen resolution (2 Mb)

A print version of the report is available on request.

STATEMENT FROM THE 2008 CAUX FORUM: "Beyond domination, fear, and indifference".
The human family is confronting a stark choice. Will we continue to pursue narrow sectional interests, or create a just and generous world order?

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