'In Mexico there is a common belief that we are a society where economic disparities and classism exist, but we do not acknowledge the presence of racism in our culture. Yet in every advertisement, in every TV programme, and in the majority of universities, companies and government entities, middle or top officials featured are white, or have a fair skin tone,' writes Jose Carlos Vargas, whose work focuses on social inclusion in Mexico.

When thinking of the seemingly increasing turmoil in the world today, when what divides people seems to be more important than what unites us, a talk that the late Conrad Hunte gave at the IofC international centre at Caux, Switzerland, 20 August 1994 came to mind. He was a descendent of slaves, grew up in poverty, yet became one of the world’s most famous cricketers. He was Vice-Captain of the team that beat England in 1963. He used to say ‘You taught us how to play, we taught you how to win!’ In 1967, he took early retirement to devote himself to building relations between the newly arrived immigrants and the host community in Britain, because he could see the danger of conflict spiraling out of control.

As Europe marks 100 years since WWI and 25 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, it is a time to look back and look ahead. Speaking at the Council of Europe and European Parliament in Strasbourg, on a whistle stopping short trip on 25 November 2014, Pope Francis stuck a note of reality and hope to a 'lonely' and 'self-absorbed' Europe to 'recover its soul. Mohan Bhagwandas, who serves on the International Council of Initiatives of Change International, asks whether Initiatives of Change can facilitate a new conversation for Europe.

In July 2014, Farai Maguwu, Director of Zimbabwe's Centre for Natural Resource Governance, took part in the international IofC conference "Just Governance" which took place in Caux/Switzerland. He was interviewed by Professor Katherine Marshall of Georgetown University.

Initiatives of Change International has released a press statement about current world crises, signed by former Presidents Cornelio Sommaruga, Mohamed Sahnoun and Rajmohan Gandhi, as well as current President Omnia Marzouk and the whole International Council.

It is often challenging to deal with a conflict, and even harder to have more than one to deal with. Elina Sarkisian is an Armenian descendent born in Syria and currently living in Toronto, Canada.

Ken Noble from England recently visited the United States for the first time in 25 years. 'I am conscious that there is a lot of history between the two nations – some good and some not so good. A sense of history is important. It defines to a large extent who we are today. When we forget our place in history, we can easily be unreal about ourselves.'

Watch a video message from Rajmohan Gandhi for peace in Ukraine

Rob Lancaster describes the different worlds of security in Australia and South Sudan and calls for a deeper self reflection and compassion.

Sam Pono from South Africa writes a farewell to Nelson Mandela, whose quality of life makes us believe that 'yes we can'.