Open Society Foundations Announce $19.5 Million Investment in Latin America at COP30 to Advance Environmental Justice and Fair Economic Growth

RIO DE JANEIRO-At COP30, the Open Society Foundations announced a a $19.5 million commitment to support Latin America's environmental defenders and a greener, fairer economy where rights are protected.

"These investments reflect our deep commitment to climate justice, deepening democratic participation, and prosperity for all," said Open Society President Binaifer Nowrojee. "The Escazú Agreement empowers communities and protects defenders. The Soros Economic Development Fund shows how climate-smart investment can create opportunities. And our support for green sovereign finance is helping Brazil lead the way in transforming oil and mining revenues into engines of lasting economic growth. Together, these efforts represent a bold vision for a future rooted in fairness, resilience, and hope."

The announcement includes four major commitments:

Strengthening the Escazú Agreement, a major regional treaty that advances the rights to a healthy environment and the protection of environmental defenders at a time when they are facing intensified attacks. Through funding for the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and civil society groups, Open Society will support efforts to protect people who defend the environment, make environmental information more accessible to the public, and give communities a real voice in environmental decisions.

Soros Economic Development Fund to accelerate green economic growth that creates opportunity for all. With support from Open Society's investment arm, Brazil's private sector is leading efforts to combine economic opportunity with caring for the environment. This includes:

• SP Ventures, a Brazilian agricultural technology fund supporting early-stage companies that reduce carbon emissions in food production and fight deforestation
• EcoEnterprises, a women-led fund investing in nature-based businesses that protect ecosystems and create local jobs

Advancing green sovereign finance, a program supporting Brazil's transition to a green and fair economy. This includes backing the Brazilian Sovereign Wealth Funds Forum to redirect oil and mining revenues toward green industries and working with the State Development Bank of Espírito Santo to create a Decarbonization Fund. It also helps the Federation of Industries of Espírito Santo identify promising green sectors and job opportunities.

Implementing Brazil's ecological transformation plan at the regional level. Developed with the Ministry of Finance, the Northeast Consortium of Governors, and the Amazon Consortium of Governors, this effort enables federal and private investments to reach both regions and strengthen green sectors like biofuels and bio-inputs. By rooting these plans in local communities, the project aims to create jobs, reduce inequality, and speed Brazil's shift to a cleaner, fairer economy.

Open Society's COP30 agenda positions the shift to clean energy not as a burden, but as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild economies, strengthen democracies, advance justice, and improve livelihoods.

Latin America is ready to lead this shift by building green industries that create good jobs, reduce inequality, and protect the planet. From the Escazú Agreement to reforming how countries invest oil revenues to smart climate investments, Open Society is backing a major shift away from extractive, inequality-driven models toward regenerative, people-centered governance.

This aligns with the foundation's newly announced Latin America strategy, 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. Open Society calls on governments, donors, and civil society to seize this moment-starting in Belém-to build a future rooted in dignity, fairness, and harmony with nature.