Maritza Chan: A Diplomatic Force for Security and Women’s Rights
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
In the halls of the United Nations, where global challenges are debated and international cooperation is forged, one voice has consistently risen with clarity, conviction, and courage: Maritza Chan. As Costa Rica’s Permanent Representative to the UN, she is shaping the conversation around global security and human rights while championing the essential role of women in building a more just and peaceful world. Her leadership is not only elevating her nation on the world stage but also proving that women leaders bring a powerful blend of vision, empathy, and determination to international diplomacy.
Maritza’s journey to diplomacy is grounded in a lifelong commitment to service and justice. She represents Costa Rica, a nation with no standing army and a longstanding reputation for advocating peace and democracy. In many ways, her role embodies the very spirit of her country—choosing dialogue over conflict, and cooperation over division. But Maritza has taken this tradition a step further by amplifying the issues of gender equality, human rights, and the inclusion of women in peacebuilding efforts, areas where her voice has been both bold and transformative.
One of her most impactful contributions has been in advancing women’s leadership in matters of peace and security. At a time when global conflicts continue to devastate communities, Maritza has insisted that women must not only be at the table but also at the forefront of negotiations and decision-making. Her advocacy echoes a growing body of research that shows peace processes are more durable and effective when women are meaningfully involved. By ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into policies and resolutions, she is helping to reshape the way the international community approaches conflict and recovery.
Beyond security, Maritza has also championed broader women’s rights, emphasizing that gender equality is fundamental to sustainable development. Her leadership within the UN has shone a spotlight on systemic inequalities that continue to hold women back, from limited access to education and healthcare to underrepresentation in political and economic spheres. For Maritza, these are not secondary concerns but urgent priorities, intrinsically tied to global stability and progress.
Her work perfectly reflects the theme of this issue, “Empowered & Rising: Women Leading Change.” As a diplomat, she uses her platform not for personal power but to elevate collective voices—especially those of women and marginalized groups. Her leadership demonstrates that empowerment is not only about breaking barriers for oneself but also about dismantling systems of exclusion so that others may rise.
Maritza’s influence is not limited to speeches and resolutions. She is also a role model for young women aspiring to careers in diplomacy, politics, and international affairs. Her presence in one of the world’s most visible diplomatic arenas challenges outdated notions of who belongs in positions of power. She shows that women leaders are not just participants in global governance—they are innovators, negotiators, and change agents redefining what leadership looks like.
In celebrating Maritza Chan, we celebrate a woman who embodies both strength and diplomacy, vision and action.
She reminds us that leadership is not measured by titles alone, but by the courage to use one’s voice to demand justice, equity, and peace. Her advocacy for women’s rights within the framework of global security offers a blueprint for how leaders can bridge divides and build more inclusive, sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest challenges.
As Costa Rica’s Representative to the UN, Maritza stands tall—not only for her nation but for women everywhere who believe in the power of diplomacy, solidarity, and equality. She is proof that when women lead fearlessly, the world listens. And in listening, we all rise closer to a future defined by justice and peace.
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