Costa Rica Concludes ECOSOC Vice-Presidency with Bureau Handover
Costa Rica has officially concluded its Vice-Presidency role in the...
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1st woman Ambassador of Costa Rica to the UN
Ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde is a Costa Rican career diplomat, academic, and activist. She was appointed Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations on 15 August 2022 becoming the first Costa Rican woman to hold this position since Costa Rica signed the UN Charter in 1945. Before her appointment, Ambassador Maritza Chan served as Deputy Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations from March 2020 to August 14, 2022.
Maritza
Chan
Perm. Rep of Costa Rica to the UN
Leading Costa Rica’s Global Engagement
From high-level negotiations to UN leadership roles, Maritza represents Costa Rica with unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and the environment.
Leading Costa Rica’s Term at ECOSOC
Costa Rica concludes its ECOSOC Vice-Presidency as today’s bureau handover takes place. Deep gratitude to the 2024–2025 Bureau for their leadership.
My Work at the United Nations
Representing Costa Rica, I help drive global cooperation on development, climate justice, and multilateral diplomacy through platforms like ECOSOC and the General Assembly.
📘 Official Profile: Ambassador Maritza Chan
A brief personal overview of Ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde is now available in PDF format.
Activity Timeline
Chairs UN First Committee
Historic appointment of Amb. Chan to lead the Disarmament & Security Committee.
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VP of ECOSOC 2025
Represented Costa Rica in sustainable development and global policy alignment.
About ECOSOC
UNLIREC Honoree
Recognized for work on arms control and international peace frameworks.
Visit UNLIREC
IPI Advisory Council
Joined IPI’s board to guide policy research and multilateral dialogue strategies.
View profile
UNDEF Board Member
Works to support democratic governance and civic engagement across regions.
Explore UNDEFCareer Highlights
Elected VP of ECOSOC in 2025, first woman to chair the UN First Committee on Disarmament. Led AI governance and arms control negotiations globally.
Previously VP of the Open‑Ended Working Group on Conventional Ammunition. Recognized by UNLIREC and serves on boards of IPI and UNDEF.
Also a former Presidential speechwriter, she’s had postings in D.C., New York, San José, and the OAS.
“Si vis pacem, para pacem — If we want peace, we must prepare for peace.”
| Position | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Permanent Representative to the UN | 2022–Present |
| Vice President, ECOSOC | 2025 |
| Chair, UN First Committee | 2024 |
| President, UNPoA Review Conference | 2024 |
| UNICEF Executive Board President | 2022 |
| Speechwriter, President of Costa Rica | 1998–2002 |
Costa Rica time: --:--:--
Join Me in
Working for Global Equity, Peace, and Sustainable Progress.
As Costa Rica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, I’m committed to strengthening multilateralism, advancing social and environmental justice, and advocating for meaningful, inclusive dialogue among nations.
Diplomatic Priorities
- Climate Justice
- Peace & Security
- Gender Equality
- Inclusive Development
- Human Right
- Multilateral Dialogue
Proudly serving the good people of Costa Rica, I remain committed to advancing dialogue, equity, and sustainable progress within the United Nations and beyond.
The Diplomatic Impact That Moves Us Forward
UN Resolutions Championed
Successfully negotiated or co-sponsored UN resolutions focused on peace, climate justice, gender equality, and disarmament.
Multilateral Dialogues Led
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High-level dialogues and multilateral meetings chaired to foster cooperation and advance sustainable global governance.
Nations Collaborated With
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Engaged with nearly every UN member state in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, strengthening Costa Rica’s voice globally.
A Voice for the Nation
Representing the good people of Costa Rica, I am committed to amplifying our nation’s values on the world stage.
Peace & Security
The foundations of our collective security are built on dialogue, not conflict. I advocate for multilateral solutions to global threats, emphasizing preventative diplomacy, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law.
- Advanced international peacebuilding initiatives
- Promoted arms control and non-proliferation
- Strengthening the role of women in peace processes
Gender & Equity
As President of key forums like CSW70, I champion the rights of women and girls globally. My work is focused on advancing gender equality, advocating for children through UNICEF, and ensuring inclusive opportunities for all.
- Advanced the women, peace, and security agenda
- Promoted children's rights and welfare
- Advocated for gender-responsive policies and leadership
AI Governance
The rise of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies presents both opportunities and complex challenges. My work aims to shape a global governance framework that is ethical, inclusive, and committed to human-centered AI.
- Shaped global policy on AI ethics and regulation
- Bridged the digital divide for equitable access
- Fostered international cooperation in technology governance
Climate Justice
Climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable among us. My mission is to champion policies that ensure fairness and equity in our global response, holding nations accountable and investing in a sustainable future.
- Advocated for equitable climate action
- Promoted international cooperation on biodiversity
- Highlighting climate's impact on human security
Updates from the Mission
Follow the latest highlights from Ambassador Maritza Chan’s engagements, statements, and regional diplomacy efforts.
The UN belongs to young people, deputy chief tells young Costa Rican activists
The United Nations “belongs” to the younger generation, and countries...
Amb. Maritza Chan Renews Call for Action on UN Charter’s Article 26
In a powerful reflection marking nearly 80 years since the...
UNODA and @JapanMissionUN welcomed the second cohort of the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons. 100 youth will receive online training, skill-building workshops and networking opportunities to advance and engage in nuclear disarmament. Welcome to the #YLF!
🇨🇷 Costa Rica concludes its ECOSOC Vice-Presidency as today's bureau handover takes place.
Deep gratitude to the 2024-2025 Bureau for exceptional leadership.
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Bureau: 🇳🇵,🇪🇸,🇦🇲,🇩🇿, & 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic as our GRULAC successor.
Costa Rica concludes its successful ECOSOC membership (2023-2025).
As VP of the Humanitarian Affairs Segment, we thank the 150 member states that joined our Call to Action defending IHL & scaling humanitarian financing for 300 million people in crisis.
Contact
Email Address
hello@maritzachan.com
Address
211 East 43rd Street, Room 1002 New York, N.Y. 10017
