Open Society Foundations

Fifteen years ago today, widespread pro-democracy protests erupted across Syria, with Syrians demanding dignity, human rights, and a future free from repression. From violent government crackdowns on citizens, to at least 580,000 people killed in the conflict that ensued, 150,000 forcibly disappeared, and millions more displaced, to the ultimate fall of the Assad regime, Syrians are marking the anniversary of the Syrian Uprising and sharing the realities on the ground. Advocates reflect on the moment Syria is living through now—from the long pursuit of justice for victims, to the resilience of women leading their communities, to the ongoing struggle against poverty, displacement, and political marginalization. The conflict currently engulfing the entire region is causing further insecurity and uncertainty for millions of people. But civil society remains a source of hope, working toward justice, accountability, and recovery. That means addressing the deep socioeconomic wounds of the conflict—pushing for inclusive rebuilding that centers affected communities, expands access to opportunity, and ensures that Syrians across the country can claim their place in shaping its future. Though the situation in the region is fragile, the resilience of advocates remains strong.  #SyrianUprising #StandwithSyria

Read more about how Indigenous land defenders are speaking out: osf.to/4bFyjHQ

In the past two years, hundreds of people in the region have been forcibly displaced, armed groups have started to recruit children, and Indigenous leaders have faced death threats for speaking out against environmental destruction.

Colombia has suffered the highest number of murders of environmental defenders for three years in a row. In the country’s Sierra Nevada, Indigenous land defenders face a dilemma: speak out now or cease to exist. Across Colombia, illegal groups have driven a surge in violence, and the government has struggled to quell the violence, particularly in remote rural areas.

Our president @NowrojeeOSF in her conversation with @DWnews: “Open Society Foundations basically believes in the universality of human rights and human beings, and so it's not about being left-leaning or right-leaning. What we want to have is societies where, regardless of who you are, there are systems of laws that are delivered equally to people and that there are equal rights to redress. What worries us right now... is that we are seeing spaces being closed. We are seeing the right to peaceful protest, which is a right of free speech, being curtailed.”

The Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF), our impact investing arm, is proud to announce a $7 million investment in Persistent’s Africa Climate Venture Builder Fund (Persistent ACV Fund)—a $70 million blended fund driving climate innovation and inclusive, green growth across the continent 🌍. Persistent's ACV Fund catalyzes early-stage African businesses that address climate change and advance inclusive development. The fund will: ✅ Reduce greenhouse gas emissions ✅ Build community resilience against climate risks ✅ Create green jobs ✅ Strengthen Africa’s early-stage investment ecosystem ✅ Achieve gender impact in investments ✅ Catalyze over 10x in investment This investment reflects SEDF’s commitment to supporting scalable, high-impact solutions that foster a climate-positive future in Africa—and to unlocking private sector capital for climate resilience and transition. It also aims to further demonstrate that locally led green growth—climate action and job creation—are mutually reinforcing and critical pillars of an open society. SEDF is proud to co-invest alongside FSD Africa, African Development Bank Group, Nordic Development Fund (NDF), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Impact Fund Denmark (formerly IFU), The Schmidt Family Foundation, the Cottier Donze Foundation, Cabrini Impact, and the Attwood Foundation, with additional investors expected to join in subsequent closings. Learn more: osf.to/4bcQnaQ #ClimateFinance #ImpactInvesting #AfricaClimateSolutions #BlendedFinance #ClimateResilience #GHGReduction #SEDF #Persistent

This International Women’s Day, and every day, we are called to show moral clarity and stand up for the rights of every person on this planet. Our president @NowrojeeOSF on why the assault on women’s rights should be understood as a reaction to the real human rights gains made in recent decades:

“With the injustice of the former order laid bare for all to see, there is now an opportunity to replace it with something better.” @pedroabramovay on how Trump’s violent unilateralism has unmasked the world order—and why it must push us toward a new form of multilateralism:

Read the statement on our website: opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom/open-…

The Open Society Foundations condemn the arbitrary detention and denial of entry of our managing director of Programs, Brian Kagoro, by authorities in Kenya. No formal charges were presented, and no written reasons were provided to him. Kagoro was held for more than 10 hours upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, questioned by national intelligence officers, and subsequently denied entry and returned to Johannesburg. Kagoro has never been charged with or convicted of any criminal offense. The removal order authorizing the air carrier to ferry him back to South Africa cites Section 54 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, which pertains to documentation-related offenses. We categorically reject as baseless the allegations circulated by certain media outlets, citing unnamed sources, that Kagoro was involved in financing or coordinating political unrest in Kenya. No evidence has been presented to support these defamatory claims. Kagoro is a well-respected constitutional lawyer and Pan-Africanist with decades of experience working on governance, regional integration, global justice, and rule of law issues across Africa. He has lawfully resided in Kenya for extended periods over the past decade. Open Society does not fund or organize political protests. Our work in Kenya, as elsewhere, supports lawful civic engagement and accountable governance. Since 2005, we have worked constructively with Kenyan institutions and stakeholders, including government actors, on issues such as economic policy, climate, and democratic governance, and we value that partnership. Transparency and due process are essential principles in democratic societies. We have always complied with Kenya’s laws, including on immigration matters, and are seeking formal clarification through appropriate channels.

They are part of civil society’s efforts that show the world what dignified resistance looks like. Read their stories of everyday Ukrainian resistance: osf.to/4aO0x1v

In the four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainians have sparked a civic reawakening. From frontline towns to major cities, ordinary people are defending democracy, caring for one another, and laying the groundwork for a post-war future. We spoke with four Ukrainians who, despite suffering through the war themselves, are devoting their energy to preserving Ukraine’s democracy, institutions, and society.

From Ella Baker, a mentor to the biggest leaders of the civil rights movement, to A. Philip Randolph, the “father of the Black labor movement,” to Marsha P. Johnson championing LGBTQ liberation, we’re honoring the unsung leaders in the civil rights movement.

Black history is American history. February marks Black History Month in the United States, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the central role Black leaders have played to defend our rights and protect our democracy.

From Ella Baker, a mentor to the biggest leaders of the civil rights movement, to A. Philip Randolph, the “father of the Black labor movement,” to Marsha P. Johnson championing LGBTQ liberation, we’re honoring the unsung leaders in the Black civil rights movement.

Human rights are born out of struggles, from acts of defiance, and an unyielding belief in our shared humanity. It is more important than ever to defend universal human rights as a pillar of open societies.

Mntwana’s continued activism and leadership of the Women’s March on August 9, 1956 brought more than 20,000 women together and was a critical moment in the broader anti-apartheid movement. South Africa commemorates August 9 as Women’s Day, a national holiday.

Did you know women activists were central to drafting South Africa’s Freedom Charter? Ida Mntwana, a South African activist, led the African National Congress League and mobilized women from across the country and supported the drafting of the country’s Freedom Charter.