Nuha Abdulrahman writes on her experience at the Caux Forum this July.
Growing up in Hackney, East London, I’ve always seen my community’s undeniable potential, but also its struggles with unrest, crime, violence and limited opportunities. Many young people here never get the chance to leave the neighbourhood, let alone the country. So, being invited to the Caux Inter-Generational Forum felt like stepping into a whole new world -one that would challenge and perhaps even change my perspectives on home, community and belonging.
The week I spent at Caux was nothing short of inspiring. The forum was filled with meaningful conversations aimed at creating a more harmonious society, especially in times when we need most. What struck me the most was the sense of unity that transcended differences—age, race, religion, or background. As a 20-year-old Hijabi Muslim from a refugee family, I sat alongside elders from different faiths, sharing dialogues filled with love, transparency, and wisdom. For the first time in a long time, it felt like we were all equals, learning from each other, and working towards a more compassionate world.
One of the most profound aspects of the forum was the daily themes we explored in line with Initiatives of Change’s four absolutes: freedom and faith, equality and hope, fraternity and love. These guided our reflections, helping me understand them deeply. Growing up where self-belief is often a luxury, I realized that true freedom comes from believing in yourself and the good in others. Faith became more than religious—it became faith in humanity’s power to create positive change.
Equality and hope resonated with me, particularly given my Hackney background. Hope drives the desire for equality, and workshops like “Peace Begins at Home,” led by our Head of Sustainable Communities Programme Amina Khalid, reinforced the importance of intergenerational learning and respecting all people, regardless of background, faith, or age. Listening to stories of resilience and people overcoming adversity inspired me to bring these lessons back to Hackney, where we are also fighting for safety, equality, and justice in our community.
Fraternity and love were values I experienced daily at Caux. We celebrated our shared humanity, and the unconditional support I felt was powerful, especially during the storytelling sessions I co-facilitated. These small, intimate moments created a safe space for vulnerability – a space where we shared fears, hopes, and ambitions openly. In a world where vulnerability is often hidden, it was empowering to be open and connect deeply with others.
As a young person from a community often overlooked and marginalised, my experience at Caux gave me something invaluable – hope. It showed me that despite our challenges, we are not alone. I returned to Hackney with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to bring unity, love, and fraternity back home in continuation of my work with WeLiterate as the Youth Outreach Ambassador and to IofC. The intergenerational dialogues continue to teach me the strength of diverse perspectives, and I believe this collective energy will help build a future where everyone feels valued.
Caux wasn’t just a week away, it was the start of a journey. A journey of fostering understanding, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and working together for meaningful change. The spirit of Caux has shown me that peace, love, and fraternity are more than ideals, they are actions which calls for a collective effort if are to make the world a better place.
Find out more about the Caux Forum here. The next event will take place from 8-12th July 2025.
Nuha Abdulrahman is a dedicated Youth Outreach Ambassador for WeLiterate a refugee and migrant led organisation. Since the age of 17, she has been involved with IofC UK and the Sustainable Communities Programme. She is currently studying Business Economics and Global Development at SOAS at the University of London.
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