Óscar Arias Sánchez: A Life Devoted to Peace, Justice, and Humanity
Introduction: Why Óscar Arias Matters Today
In a world where headlines are dominated by conflict, division, and the search for justice, few figures stand out as beacons of hope and practical wisdom. Óscar Arias Sánchez, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and two-time President of Costa Rica, is one such leader whose legacy continues to inspire generations. As the host of the Self Discovery Podcast, I, Mohsinaa Ahmad, had the rare privilege of sitting down with President Arias for a candid conversation about his journey, his vision for global justice, and what it truly means to build a culture of peace.
This blog is both a deep dive into Óscar Arias’s extraordinary life and a reflection on the insights he shared with me—insights that are more relevant than ever in today’s turbulent times. If you’re passionate about peacebuilding, ethical leadership, and the future of global justice, this is a story you won’t want to miss.
Early Life: The Roots of a Peacemaker
Óscar Arias Sánchez was born on September 13, 1940, in Heredia, Costa Rica, into an upper-class family that valued education and public service. His academic journey began at Saint Francis College in San José, followed by a brief stint at Boston University in the United States, where he initially intended to study medicine. However, Arias soon realised his calling lay elsewhere and returned to Costa Rica to earn degrees in law and economics from the University of Costa Rica. His thirst for knowledge took him to the United Kingdom, where he attended the London School of Economics and later received a doctorate in political science from the University of Essex in 1974.
These formative years were crucial in shaping Arias’s worldview. Exposure to different educational systems and political climates gave him a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of global issues, a perspective that would later inform his approach to peacebuilding and diplomacy.
The Political Rise: From Scholar to President
Arias’s political career began in the 1970s when he joined Costa Rica’s National Liberation Party, a centre-left party with a strong commitment to social democracy. His early roles included serving as Minister of Planning, where he honed his skills in governance and policy-making.
In 1986, Arias was elected President of Costa Rica at a time when Central America was engulfed in violent civil wars, fueled by Cold War rivalries and foreign intervention. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Arias refused to allow Costa Rican territory to be used for military operations by foreign powers, most notably the United States, which was supporting the Contras in neighbouring Nicaragua. He also held the Sandinista government accountable for its own shortcomings in democracy and human rights.
The Nobel Peace Prize: A Plan for Lasting Peace
Arias’s most enduring legacy is undoubtedly his role as the architect of the Esquipulas II Peace Agreement, a bold initiative designed to end the bloodshed in Central America. His plan called for:
The removal of all foreign military presence in the region
An end to support for antigovernment guerrillas
The implementation of democratic reforms and free elections
Safeguards for human rights
A commitment to social reconstruction and development
Despite intense pressure from powerful interests, including the U.S. government, Arias remained steadfast in his vision. In August 1987, the peace plan was signed by the leaders of Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, marking a turning point in the region’s history
For his tireless efforts, Óscar Arias Sánchez was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987, with the Nobel Committee citing his “work for lasting peace in Central America”. Arias used the monetary award to establish the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress, further cementing his commitment to human rights and development.
A Second Term and Continued Advocacy
After his first presidency, Arias remained a vocal advocate for peace, human security, and sustainable development. He returned to the presidency from 2006 to 2010, continuing to champion policies that prioritized education, healthcare, and poverty reduction over military spending. His belief in the abolition of military forces as a pathway to peace influenced not only Costa Rica but also inspired movements in other countries.
Throughout his career, Arias has received numerous accolades, including the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism and roles with organizations like Economists for Peace and Security and the International Criminal Court’s Trust Fund for Victims.
The Self Discovery Podcast: A Conversation with Óscar Arias Sánchez
As the host of the Self Discovery Podcast, I, Mohsinaa Ahmad, have had the privilege of engaging with thought leaders from around the world. My conversation with Óscar Arias was nothing short of transformative. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most powerful moments from our discussion.
On the True Meaning of Peace
I asked President Arias: “As someone who has championed peace on an international scale, what do you believe is the most pressing issue facing global justice today?”
His response was as direct as it was profound:
“We have lived under that old Roman axiom that if you want peace, prepare for war. That is nonsense. It is idiotic; it has no justification. If you want peace, spend more on weapons and soldiers. That is not the way. We need new values, because with new values come new priorities, and military spending should not be a priority for governments. Instead of spending money on weapons and soldiers, we need to solve the real problems of humanity—education, healthcare, culture, reducing poverty, and building the infrastructure that will allow for stronger economic growth and a better quality of life for our people.”
This message is a wake-up call for leaders everywhere. Arias challenges us to rethink the very foundations of security and justice, urging a shift from militarization to human development.
On Humility and Recognition
We also discussed the impact of international recognition, such as the Nobel Peace Prize, on personal growth and wisdom. Arias shared a candid reflection:
“Many people think that when someone is given the Nobel Peace Prize, they suddenly gain a lot of wisdom. But the truth is, that’s not how it works. Real wisdom isn’t found in awards, but in staying grounded—no matter how much the world celebrates you.”
This humility is a hallmark of Arias’s leadership style. Despite global accolades, he remains deeply connected to the everyday struggles and hopes of ordinary people.
On Building a Culture of Peace
One of the most compelling segments of our podcast centered on the question: “What efforts could be done at a global scale towards achieving lasting peace?”
Arias’s answer was both practical and visionary:
“We need to build a culture of peace and that is the responsibility of journalists, high school teachers, university professors, religious leaders, and politicians. But unfortunately, that idea has remained a utopia, one I’ve been fighting for almost alone. There are many NGOs around the world working against nuclear weapons, but there are no governments truly convinced of this cause. Compassion and love should be the predominant values in today’s world.”
His call to action is clear: peace is not just the responsibility of politicians or diplomats, but of every sector of society. It’s a collective journey that requires a fundamental shift in values.
Key Takeaways: Lessons from Óscar Arias for Today’s Leaders
Throughout our conversation, several themes emerged that are crucial for anyone interested in peacebuilding, leadership, and global justice:
Invest in People, Not Weapons: Arias’s advocacy for redirecting resources from military spending to education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation is a blueprint for sustainable peace.
Humility Over Recognition: Awards and honors are meaningful, but true wisdom comes from staying grounded and curious.
Collective Responsibility: Building a culture of peace requires the engagement of educators, journalists, faith leaders, and civil society—not just governments.
New Values for a New Era: The world’s current challenges demand a reevaluation of the values that guide our policies and priorities.
Why This Conversation Matters: The Relevance of Arias’s Legacy
As global conflicts continue to dominate the news, Óscar Arias’s life and message are more relevant than ever. His insistence on nonviolence, democracy, and human development offers a roadmap for a more just and peaceful world. For those of us working in media, education, or leadership, whether in India, Costa Rica, or anywhere else, his example is both inspiring and actionable.
Watch the Full Podcast: Self Discovery Podcast x Óscar Arias Sánchez
If you’re ready to dive deeper into these powerful ideas, I invite you to watch the full conversation with Óscar Arias Sánchez on the Self Discovery Podcast, now available on Hindustan Times YouTube.
Final Thoughts: Carrying the Torch Forward
As I reflect on my conversation with Óscar Arias, I am reminded that peace is not a destination, but a journey—one that requires courage, humility, and unwavering commitment to human dignity. Whether you are a policymaker, educator, activist, or simply someone who cares about the future, Arias’s story is a call to action.
Let’s continue the conversation. What values do you believe are essential for building a just and peaceful world? How can we, as individuals and communities, contribute to the culture of peace that Óscar Arias has championed for decades?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Self Discovery Podcast for more inspiring conversations with global changemakers.
This blog is part of the Self Discovery Podcast series hosted by Mohsinaa Ahmad.
