In a special lecture at the University of Cape Town, Binaifer Nowrojee, the President of the Open Society Foundations, issued a rallying call for supporters of human rights and open society to renew their resolve in the face of growing threats from authoritarian forces.
“The vision of a democratic and open society is one that we need to hold on to, and defend, through these dangerous times,” Nowrojee said.
“This isn’t the time for us to back down, but a time for us to stand by the courage of our convictions.”
The lecture, titled Defending Open Society in a Dangerous World, reaffirmed the philanthropy’s enduring commitments to human rights, equity and justice.
Speaking at the very institution where George Soros made his first philanthropic investment 45 years ago—providing scholarships to Black students at the height of apartheid—Nowrojee underscored the importance of continuing the fight for justice.
“Today, returning to this space, we find ourselves at another pivotal moment in history. The world is more interconnected than ever, yet it feels more fractured,” she said. “The ideals of an open society—human rights, equity, and justice—are under threat.”
Nowrojee added: “We are living in a world that’s changing fast. The unipolar moment has closed, and it’s not clear what will come next. This transition will not be smooth, nor will it be brief. We could see a prolonged period of volatility – a world of chaos, complexity and danger. A world where defending open society values becomes harder – but even more necessary.”
The Growing Threats to Open Society Values and Human Rights
Nowrojee’s lecture highlighted the alarming global trends: the dangers of rising authoritarianism, widening economic inequality, the ravaging of the climate, attacks on free speech, the targeting of women, LGBTQ+ communities, and minorities.
“We are seeing interlocking, systemic failures that demand new ways of thinking and acting,” Nowrojee said. “To meet this moment, we must all reimagine our role in driving change.”
She also addressed the failures of free-market fundamentalism, which has fueled inequality and prioritized profit over human dignity. “An unequal planet is also an endangered planet,” she warned. “The same system that allows a tiny elite to amass unimaginable wealth also fuels environmental destruction.”
In tackling the fragility of democratic institutions, Nowrojee stressed that elections alone do not guarantee freedom. “Democracies need to be filled—and sustained—with the substance of rights, equity, and justice. Without them, they can become vessels for authoritarianism.”
A New Generation of Change-Makers
Despite these challenges, Nowrojee sees in the rising wave of youth-led movements demanding justice worldwide.
She cited recent protests in Bangladesh, Kenya, Senegal, and the United States, where young activists have fought for economic justice, reproductive rights, and political accountability.
“We see flames of hope across the world—roused by a new generation that is claiming its future. They aren’t just protesting bad policy decisions. They are revolting against outdated and oppressive orders,” Nowrojee said.
“Look at any difficult situation, and you will see people defying the odds and driving change. They are the people that we should seek out, support, and stand with.”