José Maria Figueres Olsen

José María Figueres served as President of Costa Rica from 1994 to 1998. As such, he was the youngest President of a Central American country in modern times.
Today he is the CEO of Grupo Felipe IV, based in Spain, dedicated to the support of organizations which promote development and democratic values around the world.

Prior to serving as President, José Maria was Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister of Agriculture. He has pioneered the linkage between sustainable development and technology, in the realms of business, public service, and non-profit organisations. He helped create and lead the United Nations Information and Communication Technologies Task Force and is the founder of the Fundación Costa Rica para el Desarrollo Sostenible in Costa Rica. In 2000, he joined the WEF and became its first CEO in 2003.

As the former President of Costa Rica, Señior Figueres offers a unique perspective into global economics. He also speaks knowledgeably about how changes in the world’s climate are starting to influence the global economy and advises organisations on the steps necessary to combat climate change.

José Maria uses his extensive expertise to advise his audiences on climate change and a wide variety of other issues with extraordinary passion and in an informative and thought provoking manner.

He presents in English and Spanish.