World Affairs Council of Charlotte
Ambassadors Circle Series (May 14th, 2015)
Luis Guillermo Solís, President of Costa Rica
Latin America and the World: Costa Rica’s Collaborative Spirit in the Global Economy
Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on May 14th as we have the honor of hosting Luis Guillermo Solís, the current President of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations since Costa Rica’s independence from Spain in 1851. The two nations are economic partners through the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement, a partnership that accounts for around half of Costa Rica’s imports, exports, tourism, and foreign direct investment. Both countries also cooperate in many international forums such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Organization of American States and World Trade Organization.
Dense jungles, volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and extensive biodiversity shape the character of Costa Rica. The nation’s rich environment inspires the traditional mantra of ‘pura vida’ (pure life). Taking due consideration to maintain the ‘pure life,’ Costa Rica is also a leader in environmental conservation and clean energy policies.
In addition to leading by example in its commitment to renewable energies, Costa Rica maintains exemplary commitment to human rights and placed higher than any other Latin American nation in the Human Development Index, measuring life expectancy, income and education.
Join us in welcoming President Luis Guillermo Solís to Charlotte, North Carolina for a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about Costa Rica, its relationship with the United States, and its role in the world.
Envoy Sponsor
Education Sponsor
Date: May 14th, 2015
Location: The Westin Charlotte (601 S. College St.) Directions
Check-In and VIP Reception: 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Lunch, Presentation & Q&A: 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Cost:
$30 (WACC student/educator/TMS members)
You must be an individual WACC educator/student/TMS member to qualify for the $30 rate
$50 (WACC members)
$70 (non-Members)
Become a member of the WACC to attend this program at the discounted member rate
Click here to register online via Constant Contact
Call 704-687-7762 for credit card payments (non-PayPal transactions) over the phone.
If you prefer sending a check, please make it payable to “World Affairs Council of Charlotte” and mail it to the following address:
World Affairs Council of Charlotte
UNC Charlotte – CHHS 227
9201 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28223
All reservation cancellations must be completed at least 3 business days prior to an event in order to receive a full refund. If you have dietary restrictions (i.e. vegan, vegetarian, food allergies etc.), please let us know in advance so that we can make the appropriate accommodations.
Biography
Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera is the current president of Costa Rica. He was elected in April 2014 and assumed office in May 2014. Mr Solis is a professor, a politician and a diplomat. He has also held managerial positions in philanthropic and multilateral organizations in Costa Rica and internationally.
As politician and diplomat, he was the ambassador for Central American Affairs and the Director General for Foreign Policy with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during Jose Maria Olsen’s administration (1994 to 1998). Previously, he was the Chief of Staff for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the first Oscar Arias administration (1986-1990).
In the political field, Mr. Solís was the sub secretary for International Affairs, coordinator of foreign policy and finally secretary general of the Liberacion Nacional Party (PLN), where he was an activist for more than 30 years. After leaving PLN, Mr. Solís remained independent until 2009 when he joined the Acción Ciudadana Party (PAC), formally announcing his pre-candidacy for president in 2012.
Mr. Solís has also held key positions with the University of Costa Rica as a professor, Sub Director of the School of Political Science, Director of the Central American Post Graduate Program in Political Science, and Vice Dean of the School of Social Sciences. He was also a Fulbright Professor at the University of Michigan and at the Florida International University (FIU) in Miami. Mr Solis has written 10 books as author, co-author and editor and he has edited more than 60 academic articles in specialized magazines published in Central America, South America, Europe and the United States.
For many years, Mr. Solís has also contributed to Central American development in philanthropic and multilateral organizations.
Mr. Solís studied History at the University of Costa Rica and subsequently received a scholarship for post-graduate studies at the University of Tulane in New Orleans. He obtained a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies, majoring in History and Political Science.