The last year has been a pivotal year for democracy, says Dr Omnia Marzouk, President of Initiatives of Change International. To move forward means also to look honestly at the past and the wounds of history.

Chris Breitenberg welcomes the intense personal scrutiny of candidates in the US Republican Primaries and says that we could all benefit from the scrutiny of others to help keep us accountable.

It is important to choose carefully what we remember, says Mike Lowe, because our memories shape the way we see ourselves and the world.

As the nations gather in Durban for another round of talks on climate change, Mike Lowe asks what can the world’s religions bring to the table.

Can the City of London become the conscience of the financial world, asks Michael Smith

What is the worth of an individual life? In a world which sometimes seems obsessed with numbers and statistics, Lebanese peace activist Wadiaa Khoury finds inspiration in a film about mothers.

At a time when many feel discouraged by political gridlock and economic hardship, Rebecca Davis spent a week in Washington DC working on The Trust Factor and was reminded of the potential for individuals to positively impact their communities.

After receiving three painful blows in his young life, encountering the ideas of Initiatives of Change was also a shock to Luis Puig - but a good one. Forgiveness changed the course of his life for the better. He looks back with gratitude.

Deep in the Lacandon rainforest, staying with the last descendants of the ancient Mayans, Fabiola Benavente discovered an unexpected and profound spiritual connection.

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Nargees Choudhury and a small group of Muslim peacemakers found themselves in the middle of rival demonstrations between the English Defense League (a far-right anti-Islamic group) and Muslims Against Crusades (an Islamic extremist group)