About Us
We Are a Charitable Organisation
Progress & Change Partnerships is a cause-driven advisory group, working with NGOs, public institutions, and — when relevant — the private sector. Our work helps identify pathways to counter autocrats, populists, and illiberals — at the domestic level and in their foreign policies — while upholding fundamental liberties, reinforcing the rule of law, and renewing the rules-based international order.
We aim at promoting fundamental liberties; climate justice, in particular through the promotion of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment; the rule of law and equality before law, in particular through the strengthening of state institutions, including those governing the security sector; multilateralism and the reform of international organisations, in order to promote the above-mentioned rights.
Progress & Change Partnerships, known legally as Progress & Change Action Lab, is a Swiss-based non-governmental organisation governed by a Board of eminent leaders and experts in human rights, international law and climate justice. We are a non-for-profit association officially recognised under Geneva and Swiss law as a charitable and tax-exempt organisation.
A Conversation with our President
In this compelling podcast conversation, Dave Schoof speaks with Florian Irminger about his journey from high-visibility political leadership to behind-the-scenes human rights advocacy, and what he calls the "Global Realignment" we are all navigating. This episode explores how leaders can pivot from old ways of working to meet unprecedented challenges, why admitting "I don't know" is becoming essential leadership, and how human rights work is at the leading edge of what we all need to learn to thrive in this new world.
Dave speaks to Florian's inspiration by something Robert F. Kennedy said in 1964 during the height of the Civil Rights Movement: “Progress is the nice word we like to use, but change is its motivator and change has its enemies.” These words speak to our current moment that comfortable approaches aren't enough when the foundations themselves are shifting.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- The Power of the Pivot: Sometimes stepping back from visibility creates more authentic impact
- Admitting "I Don't Know": In times of uncertainty, vulnerability becomes a leadership strength
- From Answers to Questions: Moving from classical music to jazz - improvising and listening rather than following old scripts
- The Global Realignment: We are all navigating similar challenges across different sectors
- Personal Navigation: Finding practices (like saxophone for breathing, classic literature for perspective) to maintain balance in chaos
- Future Hope: Humanity has overcome difficult moments before and is equipped to do so again
