The role of leadership in the 21st century: Insights from Former Costa Rican President Alvarado's Visit to IE University
Former President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado Quesada, visited IE University this week, where he met students and representatives from IE University and Club de Madrid, gave a lecture and provided valuable insights on his views from Costa Rica about decarbonization transition, leadership and democracy and its perspectives for this electoral year.
He presented the launch of the Leadership Initiative for Carbon Neutrality by the Club de Madrid, aimed at mobilizing political, business, and civil society leaders towards climate neutrality. Mr. Alvarado talked about the experience of Costa Rica, the first country to implement a decarbonization plan after the Paris agreement, which serves as a benchmark for other countries – positively influencing other countries to follow.
The new report analysed how three key sectors - the public sector, NGOs, and companies - could contribute to achieving net zero targets. It specifically presented case studies of companies successfully aligning their operations with these targets. During the discussion with Mr. Alvarado, this provided valuable insights into how this trio can assume leadership roles. He advocated for redefining leadership in a more wholistic and achievable manner, especially framing it with more citizen participation and young people in mind. In this context, he underscored the importance of shaping climate policies, fostering positive narratives, and ensuring the inclusion of all communities, especially the most vulnerable.
Mr. Alvarado emphasized the crucial role of youth in the global arena, particularly in this transformative technological era. He stressed the necessity of assuming responsibility and taking proactive measures to shape a better future. "Leadership is an expression of a conscious decision to act, to do things, leadership is an expression of our liberty, leadership is living your life to the fullest, not being a spectator, having a say in your life", he said.
Carlos Alvarado urged students to make a difference, even in times when it may seem challenging in a world of 8 billion people. "The voice of young people is imperative to shape the best possible future," he added, stressing that a great way to make a difference is to step up as a leader, which can serve as a way of living your life to the fullest.
"This is the most exciting time in the history of humanity to be alive, also the most challenging. We are not engaged enough with this exciting change, we should get involved, not let other people make the decisions for us."
Carlos Alvarado Quesada, Former President of Costa Rica
The final key point that was discussed was the future of democracy and the common critique that are often perceived as less efficient and complex system compared to more autocratic forms of governance.
"Are other systems better? I am a strong believer in the liberty to be what you want to be. That no one should be able to impose anything on you, that’s part of the human condition," Mr. Alvarado pointed out. "And this is strongly compromised in an authoritarian regime, democracy is more than running for office and voting, it’s a system of checks and balances that serves as a guarantee of being able to pursue the changes you want to, live life the way you want to, and to protect and listen to minorities."
"I am deeply grateful to President Alvarado for sharing his commitment to the environment, human rights and youth with our community," highlighted Manuel Muñiz, Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs and Provost of IE University.
Former President Alvarado´s visit to Madrid included meetings with his Majesty Felipe VI the King of Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, among many other influential members of the esteemed Club de Madrid.