As the Arias Foundation celebrates its 24th anniversary, we recognize how much the human race has progressed since our founding in 1988, with the financial support of the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to its founder and then president of Costa Rica, Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez, in recognition of his efforts to achieve a "firm and lasting peace" in Central America. Advances in science, technology, and culture now permeate the globe in ways previously thought impossible. Nonetheless, in the face of all these advances, violence, ignorance, prejudice, inequality, and oppression still exist and thrive in our world. Militarism and the arms race are trying to impede efforts of security, and new forms of terrorism are emerging. Rather than being discouraged, the Arias Foundation is compelled to act with greater determination and commitment in our efforts to build peace and establish justice. As written by Immanuel Kant, we believe that “If we do not advance, we retreat.”
The Arias Foundation’s 24 years of experience is our greatest advantage in the fight against social injustice. In addition to our overarching themes of demilitarization and disarmament, we also promote public policy advocacy, the strengthening of democracy, and development in education and security initiatives. Through these efforts, the Arias Foundation hopes to instigate greater peace, greater justice, and greater equality to all people. We will continue to devote our enthusiasm and energy to promoting and protecting these causes, as we rejoice in our successes and learn from our failures.
