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.