Elizabeth Nowrojee, new president of OSF, promotes democracy in Latin America.

The new president of Open Society Foundations (OSF), Kenyan lawyer and human rights advocate Elizabeth Nowrojee, has shared her perspective on the democratic situation in Latin America, highlighting a sense of "democratic promise" that, according to her, manifests in various ways across the region. In a recent interview with EFE in Mexico City, Nowrojee expressed her optimism, stating that there is no definitive end to the struggle for democracy and that progress should be valued in its context. Nowrojee has taken on the leadership of the foundation since June and reports that her vision for the region focuses on three priority countries: Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. The foundation, created by billionaire magnate George Soros, has been at the center of attention and controversy, facing criticism from leaders like Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, who have denounced alleged interference in their governments. In this regard, Nowrojee emphasized that there are valid topics to discuss regarding the influence of non-governmental organizations, but she also refuted the misinformation surrounding Soros and OSF. Recently, the foundation has undergone an internal restructuring, driven by the conviction that the "free market theory is not working." As a result, OSF has decided to redirect its focus towards the role of the state and the urgent climate crisis. In this context, in July, a $400 million investment was announced to be allocated to clean energy projects in several nations, including Mexico, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development and climate justice. OSF's priorities in Latin America include promoting democratic governance, freedom of the press, reducing violence, climate justice, and drug policy reform. Nowrojee emphasized that the main challenge in the region is to generate accessible and equitable economic prosperity in an environment that guarantees opportunities and resources for all, where violence is not a constant threat. In her analysis, Nowrojee also highlighted the urgent need for governments in the region to implement policies that favor the development of clean energy. The OSF president advocates for these policies to not only be beneficial for the environment but also to provide tangible results for all citizens, creating a cycle of prosperity that includes the most vulnerable. In addition to security and economic development, Nowrojee referred to "complexities" regarding the inclusion of different sectors of society in political processes. The OSF leader stressed the importance of ensuring that indigenous and Afro-descendant voices are considered and represented in the political sphere, which is essential for building more just and equitable societies. During her visit to Mexico, Nowrojee was particularly impressed by the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as the country's first female president, who will take office on October 1. This milestone is seen by Nowrojee as a significant advancement in gender representation in politics, which could inspire greater participation of women in decision-making in the region. Nowrojee's arrival at the helm of OSF comes at a crucial moment for Latin America, a region facing complex challenges but also showing signs of change and hope. Her focus on democracy, inclusion, and environmental sustainability could be the encouragement that many activists and citizens need to continue fighting for a fairer future. As Open Society Foundations embarks on this new phase under her leadership, the expectation is that its initiatives will not only generate a positive impact in the prioritized countries but also foster constructive dialogue about the future of democracy in Latin America. With leaders like Nowrojee at the forefront, the promise of a more democratic and equitable continent seems closer than ever.