Conferences that bring together different people from widely different backgrounds to “join the dots” on central issues like foods security, peace and land restoration can inspire, educate and create strong networks with a strengthened ability to drive change for the positive.

While many people are aware of the rapid speed of desertification (1% of agricultural land lost each year), few understand that deserts are often man made. Where land degradation is occurring and restoration is not happening, the primary reasons are often not technical or financial, but are connected to lack of trust or actual conflict. Change in human attitudes, behaviour and relationships, the principle focus of Initiatives of Change (IofC), are seen as key to achieving both peace and land restoration.
In 2011 and 2012, Luc Gnacadja, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, requested that dialogues on these issues be arranged at the Caux conference center.
The annual Caux Dialogues on Land and Security starting in July , 2013  have explored the potential of sustainable land management as a driver of peace, development and climate change mitigation by bringing together individuals, governments, international organizations, NGOs and business in a unique environment.