Monday brief · week of 26 October 2026
Open Society Foundations sharpens focus on justice, Global South leadership, and grassroots power in economic and environmental struggles.
Written each Monday from this funder's own recent publications. Every point links to the sentence it rests on.
What they're leaning into
They are leaning into international justice as a tool for accountability, especially for war crimes and atrocities, with strong language defending the ICC and its role for victims. (cites: 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18)
“The ICC is where victims of the gravest crimes—from Gaza to Ukraine to the Philippines—can turn when their own governments will not act, and where even heads of state can be made to answer.”Why We're Suing to Defend the International Criminal Court.pdf · 2026-10-16 ↗“The Trump administration imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) itself—the court of last resort for victims of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.”Why We're Suing to Defend the International Criminal Court.pdf · 2026-10-16 ↗Global South leadership and people-driven multilateralism are central, with an emphasis on shifting power to communities facing resource extraction and economic inequality. (cites: 5, 6, 7, 8)
“We need global leadership driven by an ethical commitment to transforming communities where resource extraction takes place, improving the lives of people facing the triple burden of unemployment, poverty, and inequality.”How can Global South countries have a stronger voice in shaping the ways natural resources, economic policies, and regio · 2026-10-20 ↗“This leadership must be committed to a new form of multilateralism, one that is people-driven and enables Africa and Asia to become rule-makers, rather than simply rule-takers.”How can Global South countries have a stronger voice in shaping the ways natural resources, economic policies, and regio · 2026-10-20 ↗Environmental and land defenders—particularly Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities—are highlighted as key partners in protection and cultural preservation. (cites: 1, 2, 3, 4)
“ACADESAN Radio gives people across 72 territories a space rooted in their own culture and priorities, where they can share what is happening in their communities and celebrate the work of environmental defenders.”“We Want to Speak from Our Identity, as Afro-Descendants of the San Juan River: To Address Ourselves, but Also the World.” · 2026-10-27 ↗“Protection of human right defenders is strongest when country-level coalitions partner with Indigenous, environmental, and land defenders to co-create models spanning prevention, safeguards, and redress.”“We Want to Speak from Our Identity, as Afro-Descendants of the San Juan River: To Address Ourselves, but Also the World.” · 2026-10-27 ↗
Framing to consider
Grantseekers might frame their work as advancing *people-driven multilateralism*—showing how their efforts help communities shape economic or environmental policies rather than just comply with them. (cites: 6, 7)
“This leadership must be committed to a new form of multilateralism, one that is people-driven and enables Africa and Asia to become rule-makers, rather than simply rule-takers.”How can Global South countries have a stronger voice in shaping the ways natural resources, economic policies, and regio · 2026-10-20 ↗“When countries face difficult decisions about debt management or their economic futures, bringing these discussions to parliament is about more than democratic consent or legal requirements.”How can Global South countries have a stronger voice in shaping the ways natural resources, economic policies, and regio · 2026-10-20 ↗Projects could emphasize *cultural identity and leadership* in justice or environmental work, especially if they center Indigenous, Afro-descendant, or Global South voices as decision-makers. (cites: 1, 3, 5)
“ACADESAN Radio gives people across 72 territories a space rooted in their own culture and priorities, where they can share what is happening in their communities and celebrate the work of environmental defenders.”“We Want to Speak from Our Identity, as Afro-Descendants of the San Juan River: To Address Ourselves, but Also the World.” · 2026-10-27 ↗“WE WANT TO SPEAK FROM OUR IDENTITY, AS AFRO-DESCENDANTS OF THE SAN JUAN RIVER: TO ADDRESS OURSELVES, BUT ALSO THE WORLD.”“We Want to Speak from Our Identity, as Afro-Descendants of the San Juan River: To Address Ourselves, but Also the World.” · 2026-10-27 ↗