About Us

Progress & Change Partnerships is a cause-driven advisory group, working with non-profits, governmental and international institutions, and — when relevant — the private sector to turn disruption into opportunity. In a world of crisis and uncertainty, we build partnerships to design solutions that respond to today’s needs and anticipate tomorrow’s — addressing attacks on human rights, the consequences of the climate crisis, and the rise of autocracies and illiberal ideologies that fracture the international order.

We Stand for Human Rights
and Climate Justice

In the face of today's challenges, everything we do—every partnership we have—aims 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.

This is in line with the statutary aims of the Progress & Change Partnerships, known legally as Progress & Change Action Lab.

Non-Profit, By Design

Progress & Change Partnership, 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. As a non-for-profit association under by Swiss law, it ensures non-profit status for its partners, transparent management of resources and flexibility to respond to project and partner needs

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're 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
  1. The Power of the Pivot: Sometimes stepping back from visibility creates more authentic impact
  2. Admitting "I Don't Know": In times of uncertainty, vulnerability becomes a leadership strength
  3. From Answers to Questions: Moving from classical music to jazz - improvising and listening rather than following old scripts
  4. The Global Realignment: We're all navigating similar challenges across different sectors
  5. Personal Navigation: Finding practices (like saxophone for breathing, classic literature for perspective) to maintain balance in chaos
  6. Future Hope: Humanity has overcome difficult moments before and is equipped to do so again
This was a profound conversation about leadership, change, and hope in uncertain times. Perfect for anyone navigating their own pivot in work, leadership, or life.
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