The Regional Education and Development Forum of the House of Feigenblatt and Isaac Newton University was held on the 20th of January in San Jose, Costa Rica. The event was attended by more than one hundred academic and cultural leaders representing several universities and governmental institutions. The government of Costa Rica was represented by Her Excellency Ambassador Ingrid Picado Monge, the former Ambassador of Costa Rica to Panama, and currently the head of the Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Picado received the “livery collar” of the House of Feigenblatt and welcomed the opportunity to work together on a range of cultural and educational projects. The event was coordinated and facilitated by Ms. Maria Belen Paz Soldan, Chief of Staff of His Excellency Ambassador Otto Federico von Feigenblatt, who also delivered a powerful presentation about her experience as a young leader at the United Nations. His Excellency Ambassador Otto Federico von Feigenblatt, Andean Parliament Special Envoy for Education and Head of the House of Feigenblatt, presided over the event. Dr. Mathew J. Anderson, Senior Minister Counsellor of the House of Feigenblatt to the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) delivered a keynote presentation about educational leadership which stressed the nexus between academia and diplomacy.
Many artists were also present, such as Juan Carlos Chavarria, President of Fundación Transformación en Tiempos Violentos, an organization promoting peace through art. Mr. Chavarria is one of the most well-known Costa Rican artists because of his creative use of destroyed weapons to create impactful works of art. Many of his works are displayed in government buildings and other public spaces. The House of Feigenblatt is working together with Fundación Transformación en Tiempos Violentos on several projects involving the use of art to promote education and peace.
The Forum is one of the many events organized by the House of Feigenblatt to promote education, development, and peace all over the world. Members of the House of Feigenblatt include academics, former heads of state, and a wide range of private sector leaders.
