66 Time November 25, 2019
SETTING THE PACE
CARLOS ALVARADO
QUESADA | 39
By Ban Ki-moon
Costa Rica is a small country, but
its President, Carlos Alvarado
Quesada, has shown great
ambition in tackling the climate
crisis. He recognizes the need to
confront this existential challenge
with innovative and urgent action.
This year, the U.N. recognized
Costa Rica’s trailblazing approach
and ambitious climate policies
with its highest environmental
honor, naming it a U.N. Champion
of the Earth.
Since becoming President in2018, President Alvarado has
established a bold path for Costa
Rica, setting targets to reform
transport, energy, waste and
land use. He is building on his
nation’s rich legacy of sustainable
development and environmentally
mindful growth.
In an age of populism, isolation-ism and polarized politics, Presi-
dent Alvarado’s defense of the
multi lateral system and his com-
mitment to finding global solutions
to global challenges are highly
commendable. His actions serve to
remind the world that even small
nations can take the lead.
Ban is a former Secretary-General
of the U.N. and the deputy chair
of the Elders, a group of global
leaders advocating for peace,
justice and human rights