Oscar Arias Sanchez
Born in 1941, Oscar Arias Sanchez studied law and economics
in his native Costa Rica, the United States, and England.
He began his political career in 1970 in the left-wing National
Liberation Party and was elected president of Costa Rica
in 1986. He immediately set about working for peace in Central
America, bringing the leaders of Guatemala, El Salvador,
Honduras, and Nicaragua together for negotiations. Arias
won the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize for his continuing efforts
to foster democracy and peace among his war-torn neighbors.
Since leaving office in 1990, he has continued his work
through the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress.
Resources for Teachers
and Students
Reflections on Working
Towards Peace