H.E. José María Figueres Olsen
As President of Costa Rica (1994-98), José Maria Figueres created a comprehensive national sustainable development strategy, combining sound macroeconomic indicators, strategic human development investments, and a strong alliance with nature.
Prior to serving as President he was Minister of Foreign Trade (1987-1988) and Minister of Agriculture (1988-1990). In the international arena, President Figueres has pioneered the linkage between sustainable development and technology.
He helped create and lead the United Nations ICT Task Force as its first Chairperson. In 2000, President Figueres joined the World Economic Forum and became its first CEO in 2003, where he strengthened global corporate ties to social and governmental sectors by identifying common long-term interests.
Today, he is the CEO of the Grupo Felipe IV, based in Spain. He holds an Industrial Engineering Degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and a Masters in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. For more information, please visit Mr. Figueres’ website:
http://www.josemariafigueres.org