Open Society Foundations
Punishing people who use illegal drugs doesn’t work—and only worsens health, racial, and economic inequities.
Harm reduction works. It is a nonjudgmental and evidence-based approach of meeting p...
“If we want to stop future wars, we must punish the states and their political and military leadership for starting them,” writes Oleksandra Matviichuk.
In modern history we have only one preceden...
After nearly 14 years of civil war and decades of repression, over 150,000 Syrians are still missing. This presents the country with an urgent challenge as it seeks “transitional justice,” or a way...
We’re doubling down on our work in the United States with a $300 million investment to expand rights, foster economic dignity, and rebuild our democracy. Our investments aim to ensure that every Am...
Every American should be able to live, work, and care for their families, yet costs are soaring, freedoms are under attack, and too many people are struggling to make ends meet.
Laleh Ispahani sh...
Questioning is a fundamental pillar of a healthy democracy, acting as a crucial mechanism for accountability, transparency, and civic engagement.
Strong democracies recognize themselves as imperfe...
The Open Society Foundations’ Chair Alex Soros announces a new initiative to support organizations working to address an alarming surge of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate in the United States and...
On International Roma Day, we celebrate the Roma people—their identity, dignity, and extraordinary spirit.
For over 40 years, our founder George Soros has been the leading private supporter of Eur...
Fifteen years ago, widespread pro-democracy protests erupted across Syria, with Syrians demanding dignity, human rights, and a future free from repression.
From violent government crackdowns on ci...
Inclusive economic development and democracy go hand in hand. For open societies to thrive, people need to have a meaningful stake in their economy, in their politics, and in their collective futur...
Migration is a test of a healthy, democratic society.
Democracies embrace human dignity and equal opportunity for all people. When people are fleeing danger and seeking opportunity, how we treat...
We’re passing the mic 🎤 to our Open Society fellows!
Amita, Camille, Carla, Ika, Esther, and Tosin are part of a class of 31 public intellectuals from seven global cities who are shaping global c..
Young people across the Global South don’t just want to be heard—they want a seat at the table to help make decisions that will shape their futures.
To examine how youth-led political initiativ...
The Afghan women’s soccer team is back ⚽💪🚺
After escaping the Taliban, Afghan women's team competed for the first time in four years in October in a match in Morocco. Afghan Women United player.
In a big win for Indigenous communities in Canada, the Vatican has returned significant cultural items from a 1925 exhibition. The more than 60 items are part of a larger reconciliation process bet...
Migrants being blamed for problems they did not cause isn’t new. When immigration systems appear chaotic and uncontrolled, it becomes easy for politicians to point fingers, stoke fear, and scapegoa...
The current state of democracy in Africa is a paradox. On one hand, the continent is experiencing a revival of authoritarian practices, diminishing civic space, entrenched political elites, and ins...
Young people across Africa are leading powerful social movements that are calling for democracies that are based on economic and social justice.
Open Society’s Chukwuemeka Eze shares the two yout...
Industrial policy is back and greener than ever.
Green industrial policy is how countries can continue to grow, while tackling the climate crisis head on. Open Society’s Luis Godoy explains how it...
The A to Zs of Democracy: Buen Vivir
Buen vivir is a concept originating in Indigenous and Afro-descendant traditions across Latin America that focuses on belonging, community, and harmony with n...