The International Renaissance Foundation selects outstanding representatives of the open civil society each year, awarding them the prestigious Open Society Award
In this most responsible nomination of past years, the organization highlights the significant contributions of individuals and organizations in activating democratic processes, reforming state institutions, and developing civil society. This year, global and Ukrainian experts, public figures, and media magnates recognized vibrant representatives, including the publication "Ukrainska Pravda," as well as remarkable individuals such as Myroslav Marynovych — one of the founders of the Ukrainian Helsinki Group, dissident, and researcher of religious studies — along with civic activist and human rights defender, veteran, and volunteer Masi Nayyem. They became laureates in two categories, each representing a separate story of success and recognition of the importance of an open and transparent society. Overall, national and international expert commissions selected winners in two main categories. In the nomination "Creators of the Open Society," the award went to an organization that has actively worked for over three decades to strengthen democracy, reform political institutions, and engage citizens in governance. This includes the socio-political publication "Ukrainska Pravda" — one of Ukraine's leading media outlets, which has repeatedly demonstrated independence, professionalism, and a commitment to transparency. Along with it, recognition was given to human rights organizations such as the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union, the Center for Counteracting Corruption, and projects promoting a culture of human rights and civic activism. Among the nominees were also well-known personalities: dissident Myroslav Marynovych, journalist and publicist Vitaliy Portnikov, head of the Frontline Institute Yevhen Hlibovytsky, activist and chair of the Civic Network "Opora" Olha Aivazovska, as well as public figures Vitaliy Shabunin and Nataliya Vitruk. It is important to emphasize that among the laureates are also teams that have been uniting efforts for years to strengthen Ukrainian civil society. In the second category — "Voices of the Open Society 2024" — initiatives and individuals who actively expressed their positions last year or immediately in 2024, became voices of change, and effectively fought challenges facing Ukrainians were awarded. The victory went to the charity fund "Return Alive," which has become a symbol of assistance in military and humanitarian projects. Along with it, civil movements, memorial projects, and human rights initiatives were awarded. Among the nominees are well-known lawyer, veteran, and co-founder of "Pravo" (Principle) Masi Nayyem, who supports the military with his words and deeds, inspiring Ukrainian citizens. The category also recognized military analysts, volunteers, journalists, scientists, and activists — all those who in 2024 loud and clearly voiced their positions, fought against Russian aggression, and contributed to strengthening Ukrainian statehood. The commission that determines the winners is composed of leading experts in culture, human rights, media, and civic management. Notably, the jury includes philosopher and Chair of the Board of the International Renaissance Foundation Volodymyr Yermolenko, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights defender Oleksandra Matviychuk, culture expert Leonid Finberg, activists Olha Aivazovska and Yevhen Bystretsky, as well as the elite of Ukraine’s civic and media spheres. Thanks to their work and extensive experience, selecting the best was challenging, but the results clearly demonstrate how much the country values those fighting for democracy and openness. This award not only summarizes a long and persistent professional journey but also serves as an incentive for future changes and new achievements in developing an open Ukrainian society. Openness and active civic dialogue are what inspire Ukrainians to move forward and fight for their future. The "Renaissance" Award affirms this important baton and calls on all activists, journalists, human rights defenders, and civic leaders to continue shaping the history of change in the country.