Óscar Arias Sánchez

“Without peace, there is no development, and without development, there is no peace.”

“To achieve peace, we must learn to be tolerant. We must learn to respect the opinions of others.”

“The future of humankind depends on our ability to build a more just and a more peaceful world.”

“The first and most basic rule of a civil society is that we are all equal.”

“Peace is a never-ending process... It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests. It requires us to work and live together.”

“The effects of demilitarization have been profound. It has allowed us to invest in our people, in their education and their health.”

“We must be the first to give an example of what we hope to achieve.”

“Arms are instruments of death, and the arms race is a race to the grave.”

“Democracy is a process, not a final destination. It is a constant struggle for more freedom, more justice, and more equality.”

“Let us not be afraid to be the first to listen, to be the first to apologize, and to be the first to forgive.”

“History has taught us that we cannot be indifferent to the suffering of others.”

“A world without armies is a dream, but a world with fewer armies is a goal we can achieve.”

“I believe in the power of dialogue. I believe in the power of negotiation. I believe in the power of reason.”

“The only thing we have to fear is our own indifference.”

“We must globalize solidarity. We must globalize hope.”

“Poverty is the greatest threat to peace.”