“The Trump administration’s actions are a direct attack on the victims’ right to pursue accountability for crimes against Ukrainians, Palestinians, the Rohingya, Darfurians, and women and girls in Afghanistan.”

Together we discussed how we can reshape multilateralism to better reflect the realities of the new world order but remain grounded in rights, dignity, equity, and opportunity for all.

World leaders gathered for UNGA 81 when the international system faces unprecedented financial and political strain. Over three days, Open Society convened civil society voices and local and regional policymakers to bring forward new ideas and perspectives to meet the needs of a changing world.

Despite her opposing advocacy and views, Bonino counted Pope Francis among her close friends. Even conservative Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed “her weight and role in our nation’s public life.” Read more of Neier’s tribute to her:

Emma Bonino, a pioneering Italian politician, rights advocate, and former Open Society board member died on September 11, 2026, at the age of 78. She was committed to the humane treatment of all, from those in jail to migrants to women seeking safe abortions and beyond, writes Aryeh Neier.

“Against Tech Oligarchy” is Tan and Redwine’s testimony of worker rebellions from within the early tech world: what worked, and what didn’t.

Discussions at UNGA 81 called on the international community to address the war’s compounding shocks and repercussions.

In response, a new multilateral system is emerging with the rising influence of an expanding group of middle powers, including ones in the Gulf and Africa, who are advancing new approaches to security.

Violence in the Black Sea restricting grain exports and a strengthening El Niño are further compounding food insecurity in already vulnerable communities.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, rising insecurity in the Red Sea, and pressure on energy markets are felt in the Gulf, Lebanon, Syria, and the Horn of Africa.

Seven months into the U.S. war on Iran, fighting has widened and the consequences have spread far beyond Iran’s borders.

I gathered with local leaders and peace builders from Kenya, the Netherlands, Mexico, Colombia, and Spain to talk about local multilateralism for peace and safety.

The future of human rights must be rooted in dignity, freedom, and opportunity for all.

Economic, social, and environmental rights need to be placed alongside civil and political rights—they are conditions that make freedoms real.

It isn’t about weakening universal protections already secured in law, but about enriching them and rebalancing the scales for future generations.

As global decisionmakers gather in New York for UNGA 81, Open Society hosted events exploring new ideas and perspectives on the opportunity to reimagine the future of human rights.

Too often, the human rights movement has preferred rights in the negative: no to torture, no to censorship, no to detention without trial. But there must also be an affirmation of something positive—a vision of what could be.