Rianne ten Veen Draws Inspiration from the Initiatives of Change Forum in Caux
2 november 2024
Rianne ten Veen of Green Creation and a member of ALF NL reflects on her second visit to the Initiatives of Change (IofC) forums in Caux. The location serves as a reminder of the consequences of dehumanisation and the possibility of life after conflict. This year, the exchange of ideas was particularly valuable in light of current developments in the Netherlands.
During the Inner Development Goals (IDG) Forum and the Democracy Forum, 200 participants from 50 countries came together for learning sessions and collaboration. Participants valued the curiosity shown towards one another, which led to meaningful conversations.
Ten Veen’s main insight was the importance of inner development as a complement to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She connected this to the concept of ‘jihad’, which is often misunderstood as warfare but actually refers to an inner struggle against negative habits.
At the Democracy Forum, the vulnerability of democracy was emphasised, with participants from countries where politics had been neglected issuing warnings. Ten Veen realised that civil society also needs strengthening within Europe.
She returned with renewed energy to contribute to Fahm Home, a centre for dialogue and reflection that will soon open in the Netherlands. Fahm, Arabic for ‘understanding’, is essential in her view. She invites ALF NL members to work together on plans.
“Together, a more beautiful world is possible,” says Ten Veen, who continues to work for peace and understanding under the name Green Creation.
