Former Costa Rican president to present Centennial Lecture

Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica, will present this year’s Flinn Foundation Centennial Lecture at 7 p.m., Nov. 1, in Katzin Concert Hall. The lecture, “For We Have Promises To Keep: Enduring Peace for Future Generations” will be given to an already sold-out crowd.*

Arias is a Costa Rican politician and two-time president whose most recent four-year term ended in 2010. He is also the 1987 Nobel Peace Laureate, receiving the award for his strategy, later known as the Arias Plan, to put an end to a difficult crisis in Central America during his first term as president.

In his lecture, Arias will present his views on democracy, fair trade and disarmament. He also will be visiting various classes for discussion and informal presentations.

In 1988 the former Head of State established the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress. The foundation supports opportunities for success among women, fosters change-oriented philanthropy and seeks conflict resolution in the developing world.

Today, Arias actively participates in nearly a dozen international organizations, including the Executive Boards of the International Center for Human Rights and Democratic Development, as well as the Economists Allied for Arms Reduction, and remains a prominent figure in political issues around the world.

Now in it’s 22nd year, the annual lecture was established by an endowment from the Flinn Foundation to bring some of the world’s most influential intellects to campus. It has become one of ASU’s premier events, featuring noted diplomats, scientists, playwrights and authors.

*To have your name added to a waitlist for the event, please visit the Centennial Lecture website now.