[Press Release] Heising-Simons Foundation Hosts Global Leaders at Annual International Human Rights Day Convening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN FRANCISCO (December 11, 2025) — On December 10, more than 300 global leaders, human rights advocates, and philanthropic partners gathered in San Francisco for the Heising-Simons Foundation’s International Human Rights Day convening. The event highlighted stories of resilience, movement-building, and community empowerment, focusing on the importance of upholding our shared humanity and collective action to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges, including justice, migration, and peace.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Nadia Murad, founder of Nadia’s Initiative, who has championed global efforts to support survivors of sexual violence and genocide, and former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, recognized for his work to end decades of conflict and forge peace in Colombia, both delivered keynotes. Attendees also heard from leaders and other philanthropic human rights funders, including Ai-jen Poo, President, National Domestic Workers Alliance and Co-Founder of Caring Across Generations; Kica Matos, President, National Immigration Law Center (NILC); and José Antonio Vargas, New York Times Bestselling Author and Founder, Define American.

Speakers and participants reflected on the enduring relevance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially in a moment marked by division. Speakers underscored that unity is not a static ideal but a practice, one rooted in choosing dialogue over retaliation, courage over silence, and compassion over indifference. The morning’s conversations also offered a clear call to action: to refuse to look away from injustice, to stay grounded in shared values, and to navigate the future with a collective commitment to equity and humanity.

“As we navigate threats to democracy, justice, and our most basic rights, we must always remember the common humanity that binds us together,” said Caitlin Heising, Vice Chair of the Board of Heising-Simons Foundation. “Our hope is that this gathering serves not only as inspiration, but as a catalyst for learning, partnership, and meaningful action.”

This year marks the second time the Heising-Simons Foundation has hosted the convening, carrying on the tradition started by Article 3 and Darian Swig, who launched the event to spotlight and celebrate human rights leaders who are shaping a more just and equitable world.

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Media assets: Recorded sessions, photo gallery, and other assets will soon be available here.

About the Heising-Simons Foundation
The Heising-Simons Foundation is a family foundation working with its many partners to advance sustainable solutions in climate and clean energy, enable groundbreaking research in science, enhance the education of our youngest learners, and support human rights for all people.

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