Interview
The world is changing so rapidly. Would you like to describe your current priorities in the area of peacemaking?
Packer: Amid the speed of ongoing change, peace may seem to be so far away. The biggest concern is the depth of the fragmentation—between societies, between communities, and, I would say, within ourselves. My priority in the area of peacemaking is about rebuilding trust at different levels. At the same time, at the Caux Foundation we try to create spaces where people can meet—and perhaps places where people don’t normally meet. The essence of the Caux Foundation has been bringing together people who would not normally meet. From my earlier humanitarian work, I’ve learned that peace is not only negotiated at high levels, it is lived or broken in everyday relationships. So today, I focus a lot on connecting three dimensions. First, the “inner change”: how individuals deal with fear, identity, and responsibility. Second, the “relational trust”: how we rebuild dialogue where it has collapsed. Third, the “systems change”: how institutions can become more inclusive and accountable. If we miss one of these, the peace we build doesn’t last.
What is unique about the Caux Foundation forums?
Packer: Since 1946, every year we organize residential programs for very diverse groups. These events we call “forums” are not conferences; they are something different aiming to inspire, connect, and equip. They bring more fundamental issues such as what reconciliation really means. Our forums may focus on revitalizing democracy, or on what forgiveness means to you. There is a desire for authenticity. These forums are really meant to inspire, and in a certain way to equip, people to go back where they’re from, feeling that they have connected with people who are in a similar struggle. We also have a particular focus on youth and the younger generations. Our youth program this year will focus is on reimagining democracies.
Can you give an example of how taking individual responsibility can have a profound impact?
Packer: I had just entered as executive director, and we were having a foundation forum. At this forum, there were some participants who came with very strong views. There was a delegation from Russia and another from Ukraine, and the breakthrough did not come from moments of discussions in a meeting room. It came when one of the Russian women talked about her personal story and brought it to the element of forgiveness. She said: “I am sorry. I am deeply sorry because I am responsible for what’s going on. As a Russian citizen, I have not been sufficiently alert of the backsliding of human rights.” That’s what it means for people to realize their individual responsibly.
How does the Caux Foundation work with faith-based organizations?
Packer: We know faith has an important role in individual lives and system changes. Where does the responsibility of faith-based organizations come? They work with meaning, with values, and they have incredible connections to individuals. In a number of contexts, I’ve worked with religious leaders, mainly in communities where they still have deep trust and legitimacy at the local level. The key element is to work across faiths or between faiths. That requires humility. You can’t impose a language or a framework. It’s about listening deeply and finding common ground that is around shared principles. You find them in all the religions: dignity, compassion, responsibility. In my experience, when faith-based organizations are part of the conversation, it allows us to go beyond technical solutions and ask more fundamental questions: What kind of society do we want? What does reconciliation really mean? And those are essential questions if we want to build lasting peace.
As you face the news each day, what continues to give you hope?
Packer: I feel so very privileged to be here. The hope doesn’t come from the headlines. It comes from the people. It comes from moments that are not in the headlines. I keep encountering individuals who choose dialogue over division, even in very difficult circumstances. We have people who have taken personal risks to rebuild trust, who step out of their narratives to listen to others, who have courage to listen and have courage to speak. I feel very privileged to be fed by the hope of all these extraordinary people.
You are warmly welcome to join us in Caux for some of our upcoming events at the Caux Foundation. Whether for a few hours or a longer stay, Caux is a place to connect, reflect, and engage with others around today’s key challenges. We would be delighted to welcome you. Registration to the summer forums will be closing early June.
