Oscar Arias
Oscar Arias
Óscar Arias Sánchezwas President of Costa Rica from 1986 to 1990 and from 2006 to 2010. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts to end the Central American crisis...
NationalityCosta Rican
ProfessionWorld Leader
Date of Birth13 September 1940
CityHeredia, Costa Rica
addressing committed educate lack lacks resources
The world does not lack the financial resources to feed, educate and clothe its inhabitants. Rather, it lacks leaders committed to addressing the problems of the impoverished.
displaced exist job promote united
In the United States, resources exist to retrain displaced workers and promote the development of technologies that create new job opportunities for American workers.
century changing marked solidarity status
The 20th century has been marked by cynicism, selfishness, greed, and the desire to please, all without changing the status quo. In the 21st century, we must resurrect solidarity and compassion.
arms basic best fight fighting hunger needs perpetuate spending terrorism
The best way to perpetuate poverty is by spending on arms and military, and the best way to fight terrorism is by fighting the basic needs of humanity, because hunger and poverty perpetuate crime.
future head peace
I think it's in the hands of each head of state: the future of peace in his own country.
polls reality
Today, we'll make reality what the polls have been saying.
doubt
You should not have the least doubt that in this, we will not cede.
people rican thank
I thank the Costa Rican people for their confidence.
cannot exporting prosperous
It is in the U.S. interest to have a more prosperous neighbor to the south. Because if we cannot export goods, we will keep exporting people. And that's not what the U.S. wants.
attention half humble pay population vote
I will have to pay attention to half of the population who didn't vote for me. But I can tell you that I know how to negotiate. I'm a conciliatory, humble listener.
basic billion clean education enjoy fighting health military nearly next population resources social spending water
In 1995, world military spending totaled nearly $800 billion. If we redirected just $40 billion of those resources over the next 10 years to fighting poverty, all of the world's population would enjoy basic social services, such as education, health care, nutrition, reproductive health, clean water and sanitation.
country teacher children
My country is a country of teachers. It is therefore a country of peace. We discuss our successes and failures in complete freedom. Because our country is a country of teachers, we closed the army camps, and our children go about with books under their arms, not with rifles on their shoulders. We believe in dialogue, in agreement, in reaching a consensus.
revenge confused two
It is essential that justice be done, and it is equally vital that justice not be confused with revenge, for the two are wholly different.
justice together thrive
Justice and peace can only thrive together, never apart.