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Medals of Philanthropy
George
Soros
A maverick
capitalist and intellectual. A visionary, a great American and a
great citizen of the world. George Soros, these are only a few of
the extraordinary words that can be used to describe your extraordinary
life and contributions to humanity. Long before the concept of "open
societies" became a critical item on the world's agenda, you
were a pioneer in advocating intellectual freedom, freedom of speech,
free markets, mutually respectful and interactive international
relationships and the building of civil societies to serve as bridges
between nations. Today, across the globe, many institutions have
risen up as a testament to your vision and to your philanthropic
generosity.
The
network of foundations you have created operates in more than thirty
countries throughout Central and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet
Union, and Central Eurasia, as well as in Southern Africa, Haiti,
Guatemala, and the United States. These foundations are dedicated
to building and maintaining the infrastructure and institutions
of a truly open and free society. You have also founded other major
institutions, such as the Central European University and the International
Science Foundation. Through your foundations and your philanthropic
ventures, you have given nearly $3 billion to create the better
world that you have envisioned for all of humankind.
A native
son of Hungary and survivor of the Nazi occupation, you have championed
the cause of learning and education as a way of ensuring that human
beings, no matter where they are born or the struggles they must
endure, have a chance to create a life of hope, peace and security.
You are a financial guru looked up to and admired by scores of international
captains of industry as well as individual investors and financiers.
You are a prolific author of books, essays and articles. Your unique
understanding of international economies and societies has enabled
you to link the worlds of business and intellectual pursuits and
of culture and education in order to help people around the globe
lead more meaningful and liberated lives. Truly, you have planted
the seeds of intellectual and political freedom in all corners of
the globe; the fruit of that labor continues to grow in countless
countries and societies, and to enrich the lives of millions of
individual men, women and children.
For
your leadership, your humanitarianism, and your vision in fostering
open societies and a better life for the citizens of the world,
the 21 institutions founded by Andrew Carnegie present the inaugural
Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy to you with pride and admiration.
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