#Sustainability #San Jose #Costa Rica #CIMAP 2026

Costa Rica Hosts the CIMAP 2026 Pre-Forum

In a pivotal gathering of minds and initiatives, Costa Rica recently hosted the 2026 Pre-Forum of the Ibero-American Council of Country Brands (CIMAP). This significant event attracted representatives from eleven countries, creating a dynamic platform aimed at promoting sustainable development and enhancing the visibility of country brands across Latin America.

The gathering took place in San José, where Costa Rica reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability as a global standard. Leaders and delegates from Ecuador, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Uruguay, and Venezuela participated, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainable strategies.

Adriana Acosta, the Director of essential COSTA RICA, remarked on the country’s sustainable development model, which harmonizes economic growth with environmental stewardship. Costa Rica is recognized worldwide for its remarkable achievement of generating over 98.6% of its electricity from renewable sources. Furthermore, the country has successfully reversed deforestation, becoming the first tropical nation to accomplish this feat. Currently, over 57% of Costa Rica’s land is forested, with more than a quarter of its territory protected for conservation efforts.

This Pre-Forum served not just as a discussion platform, but as a quintessential example of how sustainability can shape business models. "Sustainability in Costa Rica is integrated into every aspect of our operations, influencing the way we produce, innovate, and connect with our environment," Acosta stated. This strong emphasis on sustainable practices is reflected in the essential COSTA RICA brand, a collaborative effort that unites public and private sectors around key values such as innovation, excellence, and social progress.

Acosta shared an inspiring vision under the theme "Costa Rica Sustainability in Every Shade," displaying how the nation’s commitment translates into actionable strategies that benefit the local economy and society at large. Currently, over 780 companies are involved in this branding initiative, underscoring the alignment of business objectives with sustainability goals, significantly enhancing their competitive edge in international markets.

Alongside critical discussions on branding and sustainability, the forum agenda included engaging activities that allowed delegates to immerse themselves in Costa Rica's rich culture and environmental heritage. Iconic sites such as the National Theatre and other cultural landmarks were highlights, enabling the visitors to experience firsthand the unique blend of natural beauty and cultural depth that Costa Rica offers.

The international participants also ventured into Costa Rica’s Pacific region, where they examined various sustainable development projects that reinforce the country’s growing reputation as a leader in ecological innovation.

Delegates expressed enthusiasm about the forum. Mariana Cabrera, representative from Uruguay, emphasized the significance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among nations, while Víctor Palma from Chile highlighted the value of these exchanges in fostering a unified approach to global challenges.

By hosting the CIMAP Pre-Forum, Costa Rica solidifies its position as a pivotal player in the pursuit of an integrated regional agenda that seamlessly connects sustainability, reputation, and economic competitiveness. The Pre-Forum marks a steadfast commitment not only to environmental leadership but to the future of country branding as a means of fostering economic growth and social progress across Latin America.

This initiative and the ongoing collaboration among country brand leaders could set a precedent for how sustainability and progress can intertwine, laying the groundwork for a more resilient regional identity that caters to global demands while honoring local values.