Costa Rica’s Visionary Candidate for the OPCW Director-General
In a world still facing growing threats from the use and proliferation of chemical weapons, and with increasing geopolitical tensions and challenges, the need for principled, experienced, and visionary leadership at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is more critical than ever. The Government of Costa Rica has put forward a candidate for Director-General who embodies these essential qualities and exemplifies the country’s longstanding commitment to peace, the rule of law, and disarmament: Ambassador Arnoldo Brenes Castro.
“I am honored to be presented by Costa Rica for the role of Director-General of the OPCW. With a 30-year career in diplomacy, disarmament, and legal affairs, and a deep belief in the Rule of Law and global cooperation, I am prepared to lead the OPCW with vision and integrity.” – H.E. Arnoldo Brenes Castro
A Nation of Peace, a Candidate of Principles
Costa Rica, the oldest democracy in Latin America, abolished its armed forces in 1948. Since then, it has promoted a diplomatic tradition rooted in dialogue, human rights, and international law. It further enshrined this identity by declaring its permanent neutrality in 1983, becoming the only Latin American country to legally adopt such a status as a pillar of foreign policy.
“Costa Rica’s experience has shown the world that peace and disarmament are achievable when dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateralism are prioritized,” Ambassador Brenes affirms.
This unique path has earned Costa Rica recognition as a global advocate for peaceful conflict resolution and international justice. Home to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the UN-mandated University for Peace, the country consistently demonstrates how peace, democracy, and cooperation can serve as the strongest foundations for national and international security.
“Costa Rica has long been recognized as a global leader in peace, disarmament, and international law. Its commitment to these principles is exemplified by its abolition of the military in 1948, allowing the nation to redirect resources toward education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. This foundational decision has positioned Costa Rica as a moral authority in international forums, advocating for human rights, environmental sustainability, and peaceful conflict resolution.” (Canadian Foreign Policy Institute, Naturewaystravel)
Ambassador Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Costa Rica’s envoy to the Netherlands since December 2020, embodies this legacy and values. With a distinguished career in international law, he has represented Costa Rica in various international courts and organizations, contributing to the nation’s reputation as a steadfast advocate for peace and justice. His candidacy for the Director-General position at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) reflects his dedication to upholding international norms and promoting a world free of chemical weapons.
A Career Forged in Diplomacy and Law
Ambassador Brenes Castro’s path mirrors Costa Rica’s ideals, forging his unique leadership skills. Educated in law at the University of Costa Rica, the country’s premier public university, he pursued further academic specialization in Human Rights Theory and Practice at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom. This combination of legal rigor and humanitarian vision has shaped his life’s work.
In 1995, he joined the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress, serving as Coordinator of the Security and Demilitarization Program, through which non-military security policies were promoted across Central America and Africa. His work on demilitarization, captured in publications such as The Leadership Challenges of Demilitarization in Africa and Soldiers as Businessmen: The Economic Activities of Central America’s Militaries, remains influential.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, he held roles of critical importance since the year 2000. In the wake of 9/11, he spearheaded the creation of Costa Rica’s Inter-Institutional Commission against Terrorism, aligning national legislation with UN Security Council resolutions and international conventions. He also trained at the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies of the U.S. National Defense University, further honing his skills in defense planning and inter-agency coordination for fighting terrorism.
During a time span of two decades, Ambassador Brenes was Advisor to nine Ministers of Foreign Affairs, served as Coordinator of International Litigations and Counsel and Advocate in six major cases before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and negotiated a landmark maritime delimitation treaty with Ecuador, among other achievements. His leadership in extending Costa Rica’s continental shelf through a joint submission with Ecuador to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, highlights his diplomatic acumen and legal expertise.
Although not a career diplomat, to date Ambassador Brenes has worked for the last seven Costa Rican governments, originating from four different political parties. “I was privileged to be honoured with the trust of several Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Presidents, and I believe this was possible because I am perceived as a just person, deeply committed to the same principles and values that I have brought forth to my current post of Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to several international organizations, including the OPCW.
International Credentials and Affiliations
Since starting his post in 2020, Ambassador Brenes Castro has long engaged with the multilateral system in The Hague, including work with the International Criminal Court and the OPCW. He has also been actively participating in the Inter-State Working Group to Advance Proposals for International Criminal Accountability for Chemical Weapons Use, reflecting his deep commitment to justice and the Rule of Law.
His distinguished affiliations include:
- Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (appointed in 2019, renewed in 2025)
- Knight of Magistral Grace of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
- Associate at the Instituto Hispano-Luso-Americano de Derecho Internacional
A Vision for the OPCW
“Costa Rica’s commitment to the Rule of Law and peacebuilding influenced my academic and professional path. I am convinced that my roots and my background can bring a positive imprint to my leadership role as Director-General of the OPCW.”
Should he be elected, Ambassador Brenes Castro pledges to lead the OPCW with impartiality, unity, purpose, and unwavering dedication. Besides following up on the strengthening of the Chem-Tec Centre, as well as continuing the on-going work in Syria and Ukraine, he plans to:
- Emphasize inclusive diplomacy, ensuring that the OPCW remains a trusted multilateral body responsive to all its Member States.
- Warrant that the organisation’s Technical Secretariat incorporates AI and other emerging technologies in its various fields of work, with a special emphasis on the verification regime; to achieve this, the organization should develop its own in-house capacity, thereby ensuring both the ability to stay up to date with the unprecedented speed in technological progress, while ensuring that protected information is safely handled.
- Bolster the organization’s verification frameworks to meet evolving challenges.
- Through cooperation initiatives, work with all Member States to warrant that internal legislation and procedures, are fully adopted for the proper domestic implementation of the obligations derived from Chemical Weapons Convention by all Member States, as well as delivering training and other capacity building initiatives.
- Promote transparency and public engagement, increasing international awareness on the dangers of chemical weapons, as well as on the relevance of the OPCW and its work, and the unique role it plays in contributing to make the world safer.
- Foster collaboration with other international institutions to reinforce the chemical weapons non-proliferation regime, as well as to explore additional sources of funding.
- Continue the efforts to achieve gender balance and a broad and equitable geographical basis within the Technical Secretariat, while seeking the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity.
- Strive to achieve full universality of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
As the OPCW prepares for a new chapter, Costa Rica offers a proven leader shaped by history, forged in international law, and guided by a profound belief in peace, dialogue and multilateral cooperation. Ambassador Brenes Castro’s candidacy offers a blend of legal expertise, diplomatic experience, and a deep-seated commitment to peace, qualities that align with the OPCW’s mission to rid the world of chemical weapons and prevent their re-emergence.
“We must all be extremely proud of the OPCW and its achievements up to date. The world is definitely a better place because of its existence and the work it does. There is in fact no other organization like it. But there are important challenges ahead, many of which require dialogue and diplomacy, grounded in deeply rooted principles. I am ready to lead the OPCW forward—guided by the values of impartiality, efficiency, and dedication to bring forth a safer world.”
