From its historic decision to abolish its military to its environmental leadership, Costa Rica has built a global reputation rooted in peace and principled diplomacy. Now, its Foreign Ministry is undergoing a quiet, fundamental transformation: professionalization.
We recently spoke with Her Excellency Vice Foreign Minister for Bilateral Affairs and International Cooperation, Lydia Peralta Cordero, as she concluded a working visit in Washington, D.C. An accomplished diplomat who previously served as Ambassador in Berlin and Chargé d’Affaires in Vienna and engaged in political consultations with various States, Vice Minister Peralta offers a rare look inside her country’s diplomatic corps.
In this exclusive interview, Peralta shares how a landmark 2003 court ruling catalyzed the formation of a modern, professional Costa Rican Diplomatic Service. She details the service’s evolution from an “experiment” to a force where women hold over 50% of the career positions. The discussion explores the challenges of navigating global finance and rapid technological change, the energetic influence of young diplomats, and the strategies Costa Rica employs to balance its foundational commitments to peace and democracy with the practical demands of economic diplomacy.
Join us as Vice Minister Peralta Cordero provides an unfiltered perspective on shaping the future of diplomacy for one of the world’s most peacefully managed countries.
Costa Rica is known for its commitment to peace and diplomacy. How has the professionalization of your diplomatic service changed the way Costa Rican diplomats operate today, and can you share an example that illustrates this evolution?
Well, we have a law from 1965, but it wasn’t fully enforced until 2003. That means that for thirty-eight years, the law wasn’t strictly followed by mainly nominating political appointees at the Ministry (and not career diplomats). So, we could say that real professionalization began seriously in 2003, when there was an appeal to the Constitutional Court by some individuals seeking entry into the service, and they won. The resolution was notified to the Minister of Foreign Affairs at that time, and he had to open posts for professionals in 2004.
If we consider that it was twenty-one years ago, the service is like a grown-up teenager (not yet fully adult). It needs more training and cohesion, but this comes with time. The process began with the creation of the Diplomatic Academy (then called the Manuel María del Peralta Institute) in 1988, with the first course starting in 1989. The first group graduated in 1991, including myself. That generation entered the service as an experiment, joining a group largely composed of political appointees who were not fully prepared for diplomatic work. That cohort changed the service, and about twelve years later, the career began to take full shape.
Now, the Diplomatic Academy has produced many professionals proficient not only in law but also in economics, international relations, social matters, consular affairs, and languages. One requirement is proficiency in English or in French. During the career, one trains, takes courses, and passes exams to rise through the ranks to Ambassador, the highest rank. This process usually takes fourteen to eighteen years because it combines formal training and practical experience.
We have three branches: Internal Service, Foreign Service, and Consular Service. Each person can move among these branches; positions are tied to ranks rather than fixed posts. Once someone acquires a rank, they may apply for a post in Germany, Indonesia, Qatar, or elsewhere. We have around 45 embassies, four permanent missions, and consulates totaling about 62 missions. As a small country, we cannot maintain representation in all 193 nations due to budgetary constraints.
You have been a strong voice for women in foreign affairs. In your experience, how has the increasing participation of women shaped Costa Rica’s diplomatic approach, and what unique perspectives do women bring to the table?
Thank you for the question. I entered the service thirty-three years ago and joined the Diplomatic Academy thirty-six years ago. At my first interview, a tribunal of three gentlemen asked what I would do if I had household responsibilities. I was married at that time. They asked how I would manage motherhood and household duties. I expected questions about professional preparation, studies, or languages, so this was a surprise. When I asked male colleagues, no one else received such questions.
Thirty-five years later, Costa Rica has changed significantly. The chauvinist mentality that once existed has largely disappeared. Earlier, if someone arrived late, it was assumed it was due to household responsibilities, prejudices like that were common towards women. Thankfully, this has changed, and today women’s participation has increased dramatically. Of our 104 career diplomats, 53% are women.
Women bring unique perspectives to diplomacy, including sensitivities and strengths that enhance public service. It is a gained legal right that allows women to contribute fully abroad, and their inclusion strengthens our diplomatic capacity.
What are the toughest challenges Costa Rican diplomats face today, and how does the professionalization of the service help in navigating these issues?
Costa Rica has faced enormous public debt. The current administration under President Rodrigo Chaves Robles prioritized meeting obligations to financial institutions (debts have to be paid). If we don’t impose financial constraints now, future generations will continue paying both the debt and high interests. These constraints affect diplomacy: ministry budgets, embassy operations, and consulates face shortages. Diplomats must be creative, use resources efficiently, and seek public-private alliances to organize events and initiatives.
The world has changed rapidly, and diplomacy must evolve alongside it. Continuous preparation and cohesion are essential. Video conferences, which became widespread during the pandemic, allow us to connect colleagues in Indonesia, Israel, Europe, and South America without incurring in travel costs.
Diplomats must uphold core principles that have guided Costa Rica for decades: democracy, peace, disarmament, human rights, and environmental protection. Peace is fundamental; without it, nothing else can proceed. Defending these principles is the most important responsibility of our diplomats, taking into account that Costa Rica abolished the army at a constitutional level since 1949.
New generations are entering the diplomatic service with fresh ideas. How do young professionals influence Costa Rica’s approach to international relations, and what qualities do you see as essential for them to succeed?
Working with young people is my favorite aspect of diplomacy because they bring energy and innovation, while older diplomats contribute experience and training. It is like riding a tandem bicycle (the young lead and propel, while the experienced provide guidance and stability).
Young diplomats bring new ideas, but they need training and experience. Older diplomats must also adapt, especially to technological changes. During the pandemic, I was Ambassador in Germany when meetings of more than five people were forbidden. Video conferencing became essential to maintain diplomatic engagement, a skill I had to learn alongside younger colleagues.
Candidates must be trained in international law, foreign affairs, economic trends, consular affairs, and new technologies. Ethics and dignity are equally important; qualifications alone are insufficient without ethical conduct.
As you think about the next decade, what priorities should Costa Rica focus on to ensure its diplomacy remains effective, responsive, and inclusive?
Costa Rica is a small country (just over 51,000 square kilometers with 5.2 million inhabitants). We need development in rural and coastal areas. With high youth unemployment, diplomats play a key role in seeking international cooperation to bring knowledge, technology, and economic opportunities to these regions.
Economic diplomacy, academic exchanges, and foreign investment are crucial. Through economic diplomacy, our civil servants must seek to create jobs and improve living standards. Strategic placement of diplomats abroad can strengthen commerce, trade, and technology transfer to underdeveloped regions. This is a significant responsibility requiring inclusive and responsible action.
During your recent visits abroad, including here in the United States, what practices or approaches have stood out to you as models that Costa Rica could adapt to strengthen its diplomatic work?
It is difficult to compare directly with other countries because each nation has unique needs and circumstances. We can learn from each other through best practices anywhere, but adaptation is necessary. We cannot copy model wholesale; we must tailor approaches to Costa Rica’s situation. Every country has its own priorities, and direct comparison is not useful.
