Published on Friday, March 28, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Karen Christiana Figueres-Olsen, a Costa Rican diplomat recognized for her role in global climate negotiations, has been made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the United Kingdom, the British Embassy in Costa Rica announced.

Figueres, 68, played a key role in the negotiations that led to the 2015 Paris Agreement and served as Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from 2010 to 2016. She is an expert in climate change, technical and financial cooperation, energy, land use, and sustainable development.

According to the British Embassy, this prestigious honor recognizes Figueres’ exceptional leadership in the fight against climate change and her unwavering efforts to secure a sustainable future.

She becomes the first Latin American woman to be appointed a DBE.

“I thank Queen Elizabeth II for her decision to appoint me in 2022 and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, William, for this week’s investiture,” Figueres said upon receiving the honor.

Figueres is the daughter of José Figueres Ferrer, who served as President of Costa Rica three times: 1948–1949, 1953–1958, and 1970–1974. During his first term, he abolished the Costa Rican military, a historic decision that shaped the nation’s peaceful legacy.

The British Ambassador to Costa Rica, Ben Lyster-Binns, accompanied Figueres to the investiture ceremony, which was held at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England.

The Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) is one of the highest honors awarded to women in the UK. It is granted for outstanding contributions in any field, often at a national or international level, and recognizes individuals whose work is regarded as inspirational and significant.

The Order was established on June 4, 1917, by King George V to honor individuals who have rendered important services to the British Empire. Today, most recipients are UK citizens, but individuals from other nations can also be recognized for exceptional contributions.

 

Recently, the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office announced that Edward Roberts has been appointed as the new UK Ambassador to Costa Rica.

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Which other Costa Rican do you think deserves international recognition for their work in climate protection? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com