Jury Chairman and keynote speaker Postcode Lottery Green Challenge

After a successful business career and serving as Minister of State, José María Figueres Olsen was elected President of Costa Rica at the age of 39. During his presidency he created a comprehensive national development strategy based on the tenets of sustainability: sound economics, investment in human development, and a strong alliance with nature.

He pioneered the connection between sustainable development and technology, work which he continued after leaving government. Figueres Olsen helped create and then lead the United Nations ICT Task Force as its first chairperson. He was the first person to become CEO of the World Economic Forum, where he strengthened global corporate ties to social and governmental sectors. Later he was named CEO of Concordia 21, dedicated to supporting organizations that promote development and democratic values around the world.

Figueres Olsen is currently president of the Carbon War Room, which implements entrepreneurial market-driven solutions to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. He holds an Engineering Degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and a Masters in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.