(Born 13 September 1940 in Heredia, Costa Rica) was President of Costa Rica from 1986 to 1990 and from 2006 to 2010.
Arias studied economics at the University of Costa Rica and earned a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Essex in England
Was awarded the Peace Prize in 1987 for a plan designed to put an end to the cruel civil wars that were devastating Central America.
In August 1987, the peace plan was approved by Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. It aimed at free elections, safeguards for human rights, and an end to foreign interference in the countries’ internal affairs.
Arias Sánchez received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in October 1987, and used the monetary award to establish the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress, which promoted peace and equality throughout the world. Arias also was active in various global non governmental organizations that focused their efforts on promoting peace and rooting out corruption
