José María Figueres

José María Figueres was elected President of Costa Rica from 1994 to 1998, becoming the youngest head of state in Central America’s modern history. While in office, Figueres launched a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development based on a combination of solid macroeconomic indicators together with a policy of investment in human development and a strong alliance with nature through the implementation of innovative environmental policies.
Prior to his presidency, he was Minister of Foreign Trade (1987-1988) and Minister of Agriculture (1988-1990).

Internationally, Jose Maria Figueres has pioneered the link between sustainable development and technology, from the public sector to the world of business and non-profit organizations. He collaborated on the creation of the United Nations Working Group on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and is the founder of the Costa Rica Foundation for Sustainable Development (Entebbe), in Costa Rica.

In 2000, President Figueres began his association with the World Economic Forum, becoming its first CEO in 2003. During his tenure at the head of this organization, Figueres strengthened the organization’s ties with social and governmental sectors by identifying common, long-term interests.
Today, José María Figueres continues to work in the fields of technology and development. He is CEO of CONCORDIA 21, based in Spain, dedicated to supporting organizations that promote development and democratic values in the world.

President Figures is a qualified Industrial Engineer for the United States Military Academy at West Point and received his Master in Public Administration from John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.