On the occasion of International Day of Women in Diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation has announced the awarding of the Isabel Oyarzábal Award to Rebeca Grynspan, in recognition of her outstanding work in strengthening multilateralism and international cooperation, the defence of women's and girls' rights, and social inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean.
This award, which is being given for the first time, was created to highlight and shine a spotlight on the contribution of outstanding women who, through external action, promote diplomacy committed to gender equality, social justice and cooperation.
Rebeca Grynspan (San José, Costa Rica, 1955) is a Costa Rican economist and politician with a distinguished career in international organisations. She is currently Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the first woman and the first Latin American to hold this position. As Ibero-American Secretary-General (2014-2021), she promoted multilateral cooperation, institutional strengthening and the promotion of gender equality in the Ibero-American space. At the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), she served as Associate Administrator and Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Known for her strong defence of multilateralism, social justice and women's rights, Grynspan has worked tirelessly to close structural development gaps and advance social inclusion in the region. She has been Minister of Housing and Vice President of Costa Rica (1994-1998), and is an influential voice in global debates on sustainable development, fair trade and international cooperation. Her leadership has been recognised with multiple awards, and she continues to be a key figure in promoting a more equitable and people-centred global economy.
The award given to Ms Grynspan is named after Isabel Oyarzábal (1878-1974), a pioneer of Spanish feminism, the first woman to represent Spain at the League of Nations and Spain's first female ambassador. A tireless defender of women's rights, Oyarzábal embodies the values that this award seeks to highlight: commitment, courage and a dedication to public service.
The award ceremony will soon be held at the Ministry's headquarters, in an event presided over by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-