I was recently fortunate to be in Costa Rica attending the Human Forum 2008: A Symphony of Transformation, a gathering sponsored by the Alliance for a New Humanity. One of the founders of this organization is Oscar Arias, 1987 Nobel Peace Prize winner and current President of Costa Rica. Fifty-nine years ago, Costa Rica declared peace on the world, abolishing its armed forces, and turning its barracks into classrooms for its children. Twenty years ago, Oscar Arias was at the center of the accord that helped all of Central America lay down its arms, earning him the Nobel Prize. Currently, President Arias, once again at the helm of his country has issued a powerful commitment to the future of Costa Rica; a Peace with Nature initiative. This initiative commits Costa Rica to become carbon neutral by the year 2021; to carry out an expanded program of tree planting that will make it the country with the most trees per square kilometer in the world; and to promote a curriculum of sustainable development and environmental education in its elementary and high schools.
The money freed from supporting armed forces has also been dedicated to the education of the youth of that country. At least ninety-three percent of the people can read and write, meaning that they can feel partner to events taking place in their country and throughout the world, and can make intelligent, educated decisions regarding responsibilities to their nation and to our Earth. All of this was described in a moving speech delivered on the opening night of the gathering on the grounds of the National Museum which had once been the Army headquarters
The most stunning result that I experienced from the emphasis on youth is from the money spent on youth musical education. The Costa Rica Youth Symphony played for our assembly, and I was really impressed by their confidence and professionalism. It seemed evident that a society is truly uplifted by choosing to support the arts in place of military capacity. That is a change that truly makes a difference.
Gayle Van Gils