AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy Watch: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is again leading the UN secretary-general race after a Security Council straw poll, with the gender breakthrough still on the table but growing uncertainty over how much support is real versus protected by veto politics. Regional Democracy: Costa Rica urged stronger OAS pressure on Nicaragua, calling out an “authoritarian drift,” backing free elections with international observation, and supporting a diplomatic monitoring mechanism. Local Environment & Land Use: Mora’s landfill-linked waste project in Picagres faces fresh legal and political friction after a new municipal land-use certificate for Parque Industrial Jateo reignited concerns about road capacity and water/ecosystem impacts. Costa Rica Development Under Scrutiny: A Manuel Antonio luxury hotel/residential plan is hit with a criminal environmental complaint alleging damage to waterways, protected areas, and sediment runoff toward the Pacific. Air Connectivity: Southwest announced new Austin nonstop routes to San José (Costa Rica) and other destinations, boosting Central America access for 2027 travelers. Latin America Politics: Brazil’s presidential vote set up a runoff after Flávio Bolsonaro outperformed expectations against Lula, intensifying the region’s left-right polarization.

Costa Rica Foreign Policy: Costa Rica urged stronger OAS pressure on Nicaragua, calling out an “authoritarian drift” and backing free elections with international observation, while also approving a diplomatic monitoring mechanism. UN Leadership Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is leading the UN secretary-general contest after a fourth Security Council straw poll, with the gender milestone still in play but growing “discourage” votes signaling tougher bargaining ahead. Brazil Election Watch: Brazilians vote Sunday in a polarized presidential race between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro, with sovereignty and U.S. pressure at the center of the campaign and a runoff possible Oct. 25. Regional Public Opinion: A Latinobarómetro survey says China is now viewed more positively than the U.S. across Latin America, with Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic the exceptions. Local Travel & Safety: San José airport rolled out QR codes to help U.S. tourists register with STEP for safety updates. Heredia Community: Heredia hosts a free Coffee Heritage fair Sunday, featuring specialty coffee, competitions, and cultural performances. Energy Costs: Fuel prices rose Saturday after Aresep approved increases.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is leading the UN Security Council straw polls again, with the latest round showing 10 “encourage” votes and rising “discourage” votes—keeping alive the push for the first woman UN chief. Nicaragua Democracy Pressure: Costa Rica urged the OAS to act against Nicaragua’s “authoritarian drift,” calling for free elections with international observation and a diplomatic monitoring mechanism. Regional Influence Watch: A Latinobarómetro poll found China viewed more positively than the US across Latin America for the first time since 1995, with Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic as the exceptions. Costa Rica Travel Safety: San José airport added QR codes to help US visitors register with the State Department’s STEP program for safety and emergency alerts. Fuel Prices Hit Drivers: Costa Rica’s diesel jumped ¢97 per liter, with super and regular also rising, after Aresep approved the increase. Sports Diplomacy Clash: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from using its facilities after crowd trouble, as Haiti prepares to play Costa Rica. Brazil Election Primer: Brazilians vote Sunday in a polarized race between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro, with a runoff set for Oct. 25 if no one tops 50%.

Aviation & Tourism: San José’s Juan Santamaría Airport rolled out QR codes for U.S. travelers, pointing them to the free U.S. State Department STEP safety registration so consular staff can reach them in emergencies. Fuel Costs: Costa Rica’s pump prices jumped Saturday after ARESEP approved increases—diesel up ¢97, super up ¢38, and regular up ¢12—linked to global oil prices and the Middle East conflict. Air Connectivity: Southwest keeps expanding for summer 2027, adding new Austin routes including weekend service to Liberia (Costa Rica) starting June 5, plus other Caribbean links. International Spotlight on Costa Rica: A new interactive “Discover Costa Rica” digital map launches in Spanish and English, built with UCR and government partners to showcase parks, ecosystems, and the country’s maritime territory. Public Safety & Health: A Costa Rica-based Phase 2b pertussis vaccine study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases reports strong nasal immune responses from a single intranasal dose. Sports & Regional Ties: Haiti beat the Dominican Republic 4-1, with Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor scoring twice; Haiti next faces Costa Rica in San José.

Costa Rica Fuel Shock: ARESEP approved a sharp diesel jump of ¢97 per liter (¢688→¢785), with gasoline up too (Regular +¢12; Super +¢38), effective Saturday—an increase expected to ripple through buses, freight, agriculture, and thermal power. Hispaniola Football Tensions: Dominican Republic banned Haiti from its stadiums after crowd trouble around a Nations League match; Haiti won 4-1 and now heads to San José to face Costa Rica on Sunday. UN Leadership Watch: Polling and Security Council straw polls keep spotlighting Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan as she extends her lead in the race to become next UN secretary-general. Tech, Travel, and Policy: Southwest announced major summer 2027 route expansions including new Austin–Liberia (Costa Rica) service; Mexico is also moving toward a bill requiring platforms to remove content that incites violence, with Costa Rica among countries considering similar steps. Local Digital Map: Costa Rica launched a free bilingual interactive “Discover Costa Rica” map with government and UCR partners to showcase parks, coasts, history, and science.

Costa Rica Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Ambassador to the Netherlands and OPCW Permanent Representative Arnoldo Brenes Castro is being bid farewell after years of work in The Hague. UN Leadership Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains a front-runner in the UN secretary-general race after another Security Council straw poll, keeping pressure on other candidates. Regional Security & Law: The “Shield of the Americas” bloc backed Bolivia’s anti-drug and anti-corruption push, signaling continued U.S.-aligned pressure across the hemisphere. Migration & Due Process: Human Rights Watch reports Nicaraguan exiles stripped of nationality are being detained in the U.S., raising fears of unlawful third-country deportations. Local Governance & Planning: UCR approved a new Center for Geographical Research to turn territory data into tools for flood, forest, and coastal risk management for communities and local governments. Public Health: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face very high El Niño-related climate risks.

Shield of the Americas: A coalition of 15 democratically elected governments—including Costa Rica—publicly backed Bolivia’s crackdown on drug trafficking and corruption after the arrest of Attorney General Róger Mariaca, urging La Paz to keep investigations moving and bring alleged networks to court. Immigration & Rights: Human Rights Watch says the U.S. detained at least eight Nicaraguan exiles whose nationality was stripped by the Ortega-Murillo government, including people with pending asylum claims, warning deportations would violate protections against persecution. Costa Rica–U.S. Justice: Costa Rica extradited an alleged meth ringleader, “Beto,” to Florida, tied to a 2025 case involving 48 kg of crystal meth, in a handover coordinated with the DEA. Regional Security & Trade: Central American maritime administrations began work on a regional maritime strategy with IMO support, aiming to coordinate development across six countries. Public Health: UNICEF warned 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face very high El Niño-related climate risks, with impacts on water, food, health, and displacement. Travel & Environment: Costa Rica topped National Geographic Traveller (UK) reader awards for adventure and responsible travel, citing conservation protections and sustainability standards.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is back on top after the UN Security Council’s fourth informal straw poll, with diplomats saying she narrowly leads as the process heads toward a final recommendation. U.S.-Costa Rica Relations: The U.S. Embassy in San José pushed back on social media rumors claiming Washington revoked visas for Costa Rican officials, stressing only official channels speak for the government. Drug Enforcement Cooperation: Costa Rica sent about 45 tons of seized drugs to the United States for destruction, with U.S. officials citing the “Shield of the Americas” partnership. Local Politics & Accountability: Costa Rica’s foreign minister was dismissed after attending a Trump security meeting without informing the president, underscoring tensions over governance and diplomacy. Public Health Policy: An op-ed highlights evidence from a major Costa Rica HPV vaccine trial as the U.S. debates whether one dose may be enough. Business & Work Rules: A guide explains that foreigners can own businesses in Costa Rica, but day-to-day operational work typically requires residency or a work permit.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan kept pulling ahead in the UN Security Council’s fourth straw poll, winning 10 “encourage” votes; Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett was second, and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi placed third as the process heads toward a formal recommendation that can still be blocked by vetoes. Foreign Policy Shake-Up: Costa Rica’s foreign minister Manuel Tovar was dismissed after a dispute over whether he informed President Laura Fernández about attending the “Shield of the Americas” meeting in New York; Tovar had said foreign policy was still defined by him and the president. Regional Security & Haiti: The OAS urged the UN Security Council to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Repression Force, with Costa Rica among the signatories calling for sustained funding and logistics. Drugs & Enforcement Costs: Costa Rica transferred about 45 tons of seized cocaine to the U.S. for destruction via a U.S. Air Force C-17, citing budget limits to destroy the drugs at home. Immigration Pressure: A Costa Rican critic, Óscar Campos, urged the attorney general to prepare information about Rodrigo Chaves amid renewed visa-rumor chatter after a U.S. Embassy denial. Sports (Local Interest): Costa Rica’s Nations League campaign continues as Haiti and Curaçao matches reshape the group standings.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is again leading the UN Security Council’s fourth informal straw poll, winning 10 “encourage” votes (with 3 “discourage” and 2 “no opinion”), ahead of Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (8 “encourage”). The process is still far from settled because the five veto-wielding permanent members (US, China, Russia, France, UK) can block any candidate. Costa Rica–US Security Tensions: Former foreign minister Manuel Tovar was dismissed after a dispute over the “Shield of the Americas” meeting in New York; meanwhile, ex-union leader Óscar Campos urged the Attorney General to act regarding Rodrigo Chaves amid rumors tied to US visa actions. Drug Enforcement Reality Check: Costa Rica sent a massive cocaine haul out for destruction via a US military flight, but officials admitted local destruction was delayed by budget limits. Climate & Food Stress: El Niño is putting millions of children across Central America and the Caribbean at risk, with UNICEF warning of severe drought and flood impacts. Sports & Regional Politics: CONCACAF Nations League group play continues, with Costa Rica in a tight League A mix as Haiti and others press for quarterfinal spots.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan kept a narrow lead in the UN Security Council’s fourth secret straw poll, drawing 10 “encourage” votes versus 8 for Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and 8 for Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, with no clear consensus yet and veto powers still the key hurdle. Costa Rica at the UN: Costa Rica used its UN General Assembly address to back Grynspan for the top job and flag concerns over Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, pushing for a more agile and transparent multilateral system. U.S. Immigration Shockwave: The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allowed rapid “third-country” deportations to resume, while fast-tracking a final review—an issue that has direct regional spillover, including references to Costa Rica. Regional Security Dealbacklash: The “Shield of the Americas” continues to face political resistance in Latin America after Chile’s entry, with critics questioning its scope beyond security. Sports: Costa Rica moved on from a coaching shake-up, appointing Bryan Ruiz as national team manager, just days after his first senior coaching role.

UN Secretary-General race: China’s foreign ministry says the next UN chief should be competent, impartial, and committed to the UN Charter, while it weighs whether to back Rebeca Grynspan or Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Costa Rica at the UN: Costa Rica used its UNGA address to push for Grynspan’s candidacy and to flag concerns over Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela. Nigeria backs Grynspan: Vice President Kashim Shettima told Grynspan Nigeria will support a candidate who advances Africa’s aspirations and fairness in global decision-making. Diplomacy friction: Reports say Costa Rica’s foreign minister was dismissed after attending the “Shield of the Americas” meeting in New York without informing President Laura Fernández. Tourism & infrastructure: Fernández announced Quepos/La Managua airfield modernization and road/bridge upgrades in Puntarenas. Sports: Costa Rica’s Bryan Ruiz takes over as national coach; Keylor Navas is called back for Nations League matches vs Nicaragua and Haiti. Regional football: Haiti beat Costa Rica 2-0, while Curaçao routed Nicaragua 6-1 in CONCACAF Nations League action.

Costa Rica Foreign Policy Shake-Up: President Laura Fernández dismissed Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he failed to inform her about a New York meeting tied to the Trump-led “Shield of the Americas,” a move she called negligence and linked to the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. National Team Coaching Change: Costa Rica fired coach Fernando Batista after a 2-0 Nations League loss to Haiti; former captain Bryan Ruiz was named interim caretaker as the team sits fifth in Group A. UN Secretary-General Politics: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima met Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan and said Abuja would back a candidate committed to equity, justice, and Africa’s fair representation, citing shared ties with Costa Rica. Tourism & Competitiveness Debate: Costa Rica’s tourism institute argues the country’s real rivals are far beyond Central America, pointing to markets like Indonesia and Thailand, while critics warn a stronger colón is making Costa Rica pricier. Health & Cost of Living: Costa Rica set maximum prices for 517 medicines, targeting near-30% reductions starting in December. Flooding After Tropical Wave 47: Over 400 homes flooded, with shelters opened in Guatuso and Liberia as cleanup and damage assessments continue.

UN Secretary-General Race: China says the next UN chief must be “competent, impartial and upright,” while the contest remains wide open; Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett are leading in recent straw polls, and Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima met Grynspan urging equity and stronger Africa representation. Costa Rica Health Policy: Starting Oct. 1, Costa Rica will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate (digital) for travelers to eight new higher-risk destinations, with exemptions for age, pregnancy/breastfeeding, and medical conditions. Digital Governance: A new Costa Rican private nonprofit group unveiled an 808-provision framework law proposal for AI, blockchain, digital assets, and personal data control, aiming to split it into sector bills. Flooding & Disaster Response: Tropical Wave 47 triggered flooding that affected hundreds of homes, with shelters opened in Guatuso and Liberia and cleanup/inspections underway. Sports: Costa Rica’s national team suffered another Nations League setback, losing 2-0 to Haiti, while coach Fernando Batista vowed to keep working.

UN Secretary-General Race: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali urged UN support for Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as U.S. opposition reports add pressure to the secretary-general race. UN Diplomacy: A new round of UNGA81 coverage highlights how the next SG will inherit a trust-and-finance crisis, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Rodrigues-Birkett among the leading names in Security Council straw polling. Haiti Security: All 32 OAS member states backed renewing Haiti’s UN Security Council mandate for the Gang Suppression Force, calling for full funding, equipment and logistics for a Haitian-led approach. Costa Rica Foreign Policy: Costa Rica’s foreign minister was dismissed after an unapproved meeting tied to U.S. security talks, underscoring political friction around Shield of the Americas. Digital Policy: A new Costa Rican private nonprofit group unveiled a sweeping AI, blockchain and data “digital sovereignty” framework law proposal. Economy & Transport: Costa Rica is considering ending electric-vehicle tax incentives, a potential hit to EV buyers as the Legislative Assembly debates the bill. Sports (Regional): Haiti beat Costa Rica 2-0 in the Nations League, while Costa Rica’s women’s chess team lost 3-1 to the Philippines in the Olympiad.

UN Secretary-General Race: Barbados PM Mia Mottley publicly backed Guyana’s UN envoy Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, praising her experience as the contest tightens and a reported U.S. veto threat looms. Costa Rica in the UN Orbit: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains in the wider replacement conversation as UNGA81 discussions intensify around multilateral reform and the next leader’s priorities. AI Governance at UNGA81: Club de Madrid and RegulatingAI convened leaders in New York to push for AI oversight that’s inclusive, accountable, and effective for the public interest. Forest Finance Push: Guyana’s Vickram Bharrat urged faster investment in forests as countries review a roadmap to curb forest loss by 2030. Water Partnership: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded their Cargill Currents work into Costa Rica and other countries to improve safe water, sanitation, and watershed restoration. Local Tourism: Costa Rica marked World Tourism Day with free guided walks across all seven provinces, spotlighting culture, nature, and accessible tourism. Sports (Costa Rica): The Philippines beat Costa Rica 3-1 in the Women’s Chess Olympiad, while Costa Rica’s presence also showed up in regional football and tennis coverage.