Costa Rica Hosts CIMAP 2026 Pre-Forum, Strengthening Global Sustainability Leadership
Costa Rica has once again demonstrated its standing as a global leader in sustainability by hosting the CIMAP 2026 Pre-Forum, a strategic platform bringing together representatives from eleven countries across Latin America. This significant event, held on April 23, 2026, in San José, was a confluence of national brand leaders focusing on sustainable practices and competitive strategies in their respective nations.
The participating delegations included countries such as Ecuador, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The forum provided a unique opportunity for these leaders to exchange valuable experiences and insights into best practices regarding international positioning of their brands. The focus was strongly on aligning economic growth with recognized environmental stewardship.
Throughout the sessions, Costa Rica shared its successful model of development, which has gained international acclaim for its commitment to sustainability. Notably, over 98.6% of the country’s electricity is produced from renewable sources. Additionally, Costa Rica has reversed deforestation trends, making it the first tropical country to achieve such a milestone, with more than 57% of its land area covered in forests and 25% protected under conservation programs.
Beyond its environmental commitments, Costa Rica has managed to achieve strong economic growth; from January to December 2025, total exports rose by 11%, and foreign direct investment surpassed $5 billion. Adriana Acosta, director of essential COSTA RICA, emphasized that sustainability is not merely an isolated characteristic but a fundamental aspect of how business is conducted in the country. "Sustainability guides our production methods, our innovation processes, and our interactions with the environment. Forums like CIMAP are crucial not only for sharing our experiences but also for learning from others to progress as a region while developing more authentic and competitive country brands that respond to global challenges,” she explained.
Under the theme of "Costa Rica: Sustainability in All Its Shades", Acosta outlined the country’s comprehensive vision regarding sustainability. This approach culminates in tangible actions that link the production sector, institutions, and society at large. The country’s brand management, led by essential COSTA RICA, unifies public and private sectors around shared values of sustainability, innovation, excellence, social progress, and unique connections to Costa Rica. To date, over 780 businesses have joined its licensed community, adopting these principles within their operations to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
In addition to technical discussions, the forum featured immersive experiences, allowing delegations to explore Costa Rica’s cultural, historical, and urban developments. Highlights included visits to iconic sites such as the National Theatre of Costa Rica.
Delegates also toured the Pacific region, participating in sustainable development initiatives that enhanced the country’s value proposition through a holistic experience connecting nature, productivity, and well-being.
The significance of the forum was echoed by several delegates. Mariana Cabrera, representing Uruguay, noted that these meetings advance regional programs and foster cooperation among participating countries. Similarly, Víctor Palma of Chile stressed the importance of knowledge exchange and collaborative international positioning.
Hosting the CIMAP Pre-Forum not only underscores Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability, reputation, and competitiveness but also positions country brands as strategic tools for driving economic and social development across Latin America.
The participating delegations included countries such as Ecuador, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The forum provided a unique opportunity for these leaders to exchange valuable experiences and insights into best practices regarding international positioning of their brands. The focus was strongly on aligning economic growth with recognized environmental stewardship.
Throughout the sessions, Costa Rica shared its successful model of development, which has gained international acclaim for its commitment to sustainability. Notably, over 98.6% of the country’s electricity is produced from renewable sources. Additionally, Costa Rica has reversed deforestation trends, making it the first tropical country to achieve such a milestone, with more than 57% of its land area covered in forests and 25% protected under conservation programs.
Beyond its environmental commitments, Costa Rica has managed to achieve strong economic growth; from January to December 2025, total exports rose by 11%, and foreign direct investment surpassed $5 billion. Adriana Acosta, director of essential COSTA RICA, emphasized that sustainability is not merely an isolated characteristic but a fundamental aspect of how business is conducted in the country. "Sustainability guides our production methods, our innovation processes, and our interactions with the environment. Forums like CIMAP are crucial not only for sharing our experiences but also for learning from others to progress as a region while developing more authentic and competitive country brands that respond to global challenges,” she explained.
Under the theme of "Costa Rica: Sustainability in All Its Shades", Acosta outlined the country’s comprehensive vision regarding sustainability. This approach culminates in tangible actions that link the production sector, institutions, and society at large. The country’s brand management, led by essential COSTA RICA, unifies public and private sectors around shared values of sustainability, innovation, excellence, social progress, and unique connections to Costa Rica. To date, over 780 businesses have joined its licensed community, adopting these principles within their operations to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
In addition to technical discussions, the forum featured immersive experiences, allowing delegations to explore Costa Rica’s cultural, historical, and urban developments. Highlights included visits to iconic sites such as the National Theatre of Costa Rica.
Delegates also toured the Pacific region, participating in sustainable development initiatives that enhanced the country’s value proposition through a holistic experience connecting nature, productivity, and well-being.
The significance of the forum was echoed by several delegates. Mariana Cabrera, representing Uruguay, noted that these meetings advance regional programs and foster cooperation among participating countries. Similarly, Víctor Palma of Chile stressed the importance of knowledge exchange and collaborative international positioning.
Hosting the CIMAP Pre-Forum not only underscores Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability, reputation, and competitiveness but also positions country brands as strategic tools for driving economic and social development across Latin America.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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