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RIO DE JANEIRO—The Open Society Foundations announced today the launch of a series of initiatives in Latin America to generate social and economic well-being by focusing on people's real needs, such as access to services, care, a healthy environment, quality jobs, and security. This work is inspired by buen vivir—a concept originating in Indigenous and Afro-descendant traditions across the region that focuses on belonging, community, and harmony with nature.
The new efforts build on Open Society’s longstanding commitment to supporting individuals, civil society, institutions, and governments working to advance human rights, equity, and justice.
“For decades, we have supported partners in Latin America striving for progress. Today in the face of global power shifts, and with trade systems being completely upended, we must rise to meet this moment. Collective action has never been so important. New coalitions will emerge. Where there are opportunities, we will act with boldness and conviction to improve living conditions and help strengthen open societies", said Alex Soros, chair of the Board of Directors at the Open Society Foundations.
With an investment plan spanning eight years, this work will support civil society organizations and partnerships with governments to co-create public policies that directly address the needs of historically marginalized populations, with a particular focus on Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendant communities, and women. The strategy will focus primarily on Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, while also promoting regional exchange and collaboration with countries like Chile and Guatemala.
“Today’s challenge is to show that democracy can be more than just a political system,” said Pedro Abramovay, vice president of programs at Open Society. “Inspired by the idea of buen vivir, we want to restore democracy’s ability to offer both meaning and a shared future,” he added.
Funding will prioritize initiatives that advance racial and gender justice, inclusive and green economic agendas, state capacity building, and cultural expressions that promote the values of democracy and community. Other key areas of focus include empowering Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQI+ women leaders, as well as promoting their social and economic well-being through inclusive policies, strengthened care systems, and labor reforms.
These new actions will be bolstered by Open Society’s ongoing global initiatives to promote quality green jobs and reduce violence through people-centered public safety approaches that stand in contrast to punitive or confrontational policies.
“Amid a growing crisis of trust in democratic governance across the region—fueled by inequality, violence, and climate instability—buen vivir offers a powerful framework to expand democracy’s ability to deliver social and economic well-being through policies rooted in belonging, dignity, and agency,” said Heloísa Griggs, director of democratic openings in Latin America and the Caribbean, and regional lead for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Open Society Foundations.
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