Óscar Arias Sánchez

Biography

Óscar Arias Sánchez, born on September 13, 1940, in San José, Costa Rica, comes from a well-known coffee-growing family. He received a broad education, studying at the University of Costa Rica and gaining advanced degrees from Boston University, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the University of Essex, where he earned a doctorate in political science. This background influenced his approach to governance and diplomacy throughout his political life.

Arias got into Costa Rican politics with the National Liberation Party and held various governmental roles before being elected President of Costa Rica for the first time in 1986. His first term, lasting until 1990, focused on bringing peace to a Central America affected by civil wars and Cold War conflicts. He proposed a regional peace plan that called for withdrawing foreign military forces, stopping external support for guerrilla movements in Nicaragua and El Salvador, and establishing democratic institutions and ceasefires. Although not adopted exactly as he proposed, its key ideas appeared in later peace agreements in Nicaragua between 1989 and 1990 and El Salvador between 1990 and 1993. For these efforts, Arias received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987.

After his first presidency, Arias stayed involved in international affairs and advocacy. He became a trustee of Economists for Peace and Security and joined the board of directors of the International Criminal Court's Trust Fund for Victims in 2003. He also won the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, the Audubon Medal in 1988, the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation, and many other honors. Renowned universities like Harvard, Princeton, the University of Salamanca, and the University of Miami have awarded him honorary doctorates.

Arias returned to the Costa Rican presidency in 2006 after successfully challenging a constitutional rule against immediate reelection. During his second term, ending in 2010, he focused on reducing poverty, environmental policy, and regional diplomacy. He also became a key voice for arms control and nuclear disarmament internationally. His administration received both praise for its social programs and criticism over various domestic and foreign policy issues, including relations with Nicaragua.

Beyond his two presidencies, Arias has continued to speak and write about democracy, development, and global security. He has received the Order of Juan Mora Fernández, Costa Rica's national honor, and remains strongly linked to efforts for negotiated solutions to conflicts in Latin America and beyond.