Each July the Caux Forum for Human Security brings together 300 people active in conflict resolution, sustainable development and the struggle for good governance. Initiated by Mohamed Sahnoun, formerly a Special Advisor to the then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the Caux Forum focuses on crucial aspects of human security. These include:
 

Understanding the challenge

The Forum takes a holistic view. Through plenaries and workshops, it looks at human security through five windows, emphasising their interconnectedness:

Healing Memory ...overcoming the mistrust created by the wounds of history
Just Governance ...working for integrity, transparency and justice worldwide
Living Sustainably ...moving towards greener economies and lifestyles
Inclusive Economics ...creating a global economy that benefits everyone
Intercultural Dialogue ...deepening conversation across cultures, sectors, continents

Empowering individuals

A wide range of ‘changemaker’ case studies demonstrate that everyone can play a role in advancing human security. In 2010 participants heard how polio has been eliminated from numerous countries, how Northern Ireland is healing after 25 years of civil war, how a people’s movement in Australia shifted Government attitudes towards their Aboriginal population. Interaction with people of wide experience offers an opportunity to discover the qualities of integrity and commitment needed for effective work.

Enhancing the abilities of advocates

The human security agenda – peacemaking, improving governance, achieving the Millenium Development Goals – demands of its advocates an exceptional array of abilities. As important as technical knowledge are the inner resources which sustain a person, enabling him or her to develop creative approaches, to challenge powerful interests, to keep going in times of difficulty, to inspire others to play their part. This is one focus of the Caux Forum.

Healing wounded memory

Wounded national memories are a major factor causing and perpetuating conflict. Healing these wounds is central to the work of the Forum. Delegations have attended from Palestine and Israel, from Pakistan and India, and many other situations of conflict and tension.

Focusing on the role of religion

The major faiths enshrine the values which underpin the human security agenda, and can play a vital role in taking this agenda to the world. Many who attend the Forum are active in human security in response to the tenets of their religion. This gives an opportunity to explore the role of religion in advancing human security worldwide.

Building trust

The methodology of the Caux Forum emphasizes listening, dialogue and story-telling. All are encouraged to contribute from their experience and to learn from others. All are invited to help in the practical running of the centre, through cooking or serving meals. The magnificent mountain setting of Caux offers unhurried time to think on walks and climbs. In this setting, individuals have the opportunity to reflect on their own motivations, often resulting in steps towards ‘the other’.

Encouraging long-term commitment

Each year the Caux Forum highlights stories of advance in human security from every continent. Behind the stories lies extensive field work carried out by devoted advocates, often through years of commitment to a particular situation of tension and conflict. One aim of the Forum is to find the people and financial resources which will sustain this crucial field work.