Initiatives of Change - Swiss Government Representative Salutes Caux’s Role in Burundi Peace Efforts

Ambassador Pierre Combernous (Photo: Blair Cummock)

As Ambassador in Nairobi, Ambassador Combernous had himself been involved in the peace efforts in Burundi, and he stressed the partnership with Caux over several years. ‘This relationship is in the context where the spirit of Switzerland’s foreign policy is marked by ideas of solidarity, universality and human values,’ he said. The peace dialogue was sometimes ‘poisoned by personal antagonisms,’ he continued.

Mohamed Sahnoun, the new President of Initiatives of Change – International, the legal and administrative body that federates the national bodies of IofC, emphasized that reconciliation processes worldwide are hampered by the feeling of insecurity. ‘How can we ask for forgiveness before the wounds deepen further and become seeds for further conflict?’ he asked. The former Algerian diplomat and present Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Africa described Caux as ‘a place of questioning and encounters on the tragedies that too much of humanity suffers’. Sahnoun continued, ‘Caux is a place of silence and words, of meditation and the sharing of ideas and experiences, where we seek and where we learn. We are all looking for peace, for lasting peace, peace within us and peace between us.’ But, he challenged, are we ready to accept the changes that peace demands, the changes in our attitudes and our living? That, he suggested, was the Caux agenda: healing the past, forgiveness, reconciliation, and tackling the roots causes of conflict.

Bernard de Riedmatten, the President of the Foundation CAUX - Initiatives of Change, welcomed the guests: foreign ambassadors, representatives of federal and communal authorities, and from international and non-government organizations. He suggested that part of the role of Caux was 'to create a climate of confidence where negotiations can take place'. Here, in an informal and relaxed atmosphere of respect, tolerance and certain kind of serenity, one could climb up and gain a fresh perspective on problems. The centre had a calling to build bridges, the former ambassador went on, and stress the importance of individual responsibility, as well as the fact that ‘all human activity must take into account the ethical and spiritual dimensions’.

Mrs. Bineta Diop, the executive director of the NGO Femmes Africa Solidarité (Photo: Blair Cummock)

Mrs Bineta Diop, the Executive Director of the NGO Femmes Africa Solidarité took advantage of the opportunity to present the Timbuktu award for building peace in conflict zones in Africa to President Sahnoun.

The guests of the Official Day took part in three workshops featuring the themes of the upcoming session, 'A grassroots dialogue of civilizations', the current session, on 'Trust and Integrity in the Global World' and Mohamed Sahnoun presented his book autobiographical novel 'Wounded memory - Algeria 1957' (available only in French). The programme of the day ended with a musical performance of the 'Ethio Folklore Music Group'.

Initiatives of Change is a diverse, global network active in 60 countries and formally incorporated in 39 countries, committed to building trust across the world's divides. It comprises people of diverse cultures and beliefs who are committed to transforming society through change in individuals and relationships.

Links and documents

PDF of this press release

Speech of Ambassador Pierre Combernous (French)

Femmes Africa Solidarité

Photos from the 'Official Day'