Costa Rica’s president recognized among TIME’s 100 Next

United States news organization TIME has recognized Costa Rica’s president, Carlos Alvarado, in its inaugural list of “100 rising stars who will change the world.”

As the publisher explains, President Alvarado is among “the rising stars and up-and-comers who are shaping their industries — and the future.”

Ban Ki-moon, a former Secretary-General of the United Nations, wrote for TIME that President Alvarado “has shown great ambition in tackling the climate crisis” and referenced the UN’s recent awarding of Costa Rica as a “Champion of the Earth.”

“In an age of populism, isolationism and polarized politics, President Alvarado’s defense of the multilateral system and his commitment to finding global solutions to global challenges are highly commendable,” Ban wrote. “His actions serve to remind the world that even small nations can take the lead.”

“Costa Rica is a small country, but its President, Carlos Alvarado Quesada, has shown great ambition in tackling the climate crisis,” writes Ban Ki-moon. “His actions serve to remind the world that even small nations can take the lead” #TIME100Next https://t.co/pHmuO0n4mY pic.twitter.com/Cbd6gzoAYB

— TIME (@TIME) November 13, 2019

The U.S. media outlet also shared a video highlighting some of Costa Rica’s recent environmental efforts under Alvarado.

President Carlos Alvarado Quesada on how Costa Rica is leading the fight against climate change for the future of the planet #TIME100Next https://t.co/gOhn5rCUys pic.twitter.com/fAVniAmMoX

— TIME (@TIME) November 13, 2019

On social media, President Alvarado said TIME’s recognition is an accolade for all of Costa Rica.

“I am honored to represent the legacy of many people who, throughout our history, have built in this small country an enormous conviction for our environment that speaks to the world today,” Alvarado wrote. “We will continue to deepen that heritage for the futures of all who are to come.”

TIME says it determined its “100 Next” list by considering people who are garnering increasing international influence — even those outside of traditional establishments of power.

The inaugural list includes Alysa Liu, a 14-year-old figure-skater; Chanel Miller, whose testimony (and more recent book) on sexual assault have given a voice to so many; and Edward Leung, an activist for an autonomous Hong Kong.

“The TIME 100 Next members all have grand ambitions, and they know they may face even greater setbacks,” the publication explained.

“They are driven by hope,” said TIME executive editor Dan Macsai. “They are eager to defy the odds—and fight for a better future.”