AGP Executive Report

Costa Rica Football: Fernando Batista says he’s focused on rebuilding the team’s bond with fans as Costa Rica kicks off the CONCACAF Nations League against Curaçao, promising a competitive, intense side in the current international window. International Soccer Schedule: FIFA’s merged September-October break is underway, with teams playing up to four matches in 16 days; Thursday’s slate includes UEFA Nations League games and AFCON qualifiers. Tech & Payments: Apple has rolled out Tap to Pay on iPhone in Costa Rica, letting merchants take contactless payments using just an iPhone and a compatible app, expanding across eight Latin American markets. Energy Prices Watch: A proposed U.S. diesel export ban could ripple into Costa Rica’s fuel costs, since the country relies on imported diesel handled by RECOPE. Local Culture: The former Simón Bolívar Zoo reopens for free on Oct. 3 for International Coffee Day, with tastings, music, tours, and a chorreador championship. Business & Life Sciences: BAC is deepening its role in Costa Rica’s life sciences ecosystem, backing multinational medtech firms with financial and advisory support. UN & Diplomacy: Costa Rica is among countries backing Ukraine’s call for a Black Sea ceasefire and passage as the UN Security Council meets.

UN Ceasefire Push: 50 countries plus the EU backed Ukraine in a UN statement urging Russia to agree to a full, immediate, unconditional ceasefire, with Costa Rica among the signers while the US stayed out. Hemispheric Security: Costa Rica is part of the US-led “Shield of the Americas” coalition, adopted at a UNGA sidelines meeting, aimed at hitting narco-terrorism through economic, security, and multilateral coordination. UN Leadership Race: The UN’s next secretary-general search is intensifying amid a wider crisis of trust, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan repeatedly mentioned in informal polling. Local Human Rights Spotlight: A Costa Rican man died in US ICE custody in Louisiana after family said he was denied insulin and meals; advocates cite ongoing medical-care failures. Biodiversity & Health: Costa Rica-linked global science coverage highlights new mosquito findings in Mexico’s Celestún reserve, underscoring how insect health risks can spread. Tourism & Travel: Costa Rica’s tourism appears in broader travel roundups, while a major ocean-observing funding pledge event at UNGA drew Canada and EU commitments.

UN Diplomacy & Health Financing: Ghana President John Dramani Mahama launched the “A Sovereign Future for Health” report under the Accra Reset at UNGA81, arguing Global South countries need control over health funding and production of essential medicines. Regional Security: Costa Rica is among 15 countries backing the US-led “Shield of the Americas,” signaling asset freezes and visa restrictions targeting 24 “narco-terrorist” groups. UN Secretary-General Race: The US is reported to be ready to veto Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett over her Gaza comments, while Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan has led in multiple straw polls but no clear front-runner has emerged. Costa Rica-Related Archaeology: Costa Rica’s National Museum is investigating possible archaeological materials found during school rebuild work in Pérez Zeledón. Local Travel & Culture: Turrialba will host a tourism festival Sept. 25–27, promoting community traditions, food, and local guides. Tech Payments: Apple expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to Costa Rica, adding Geopagos, Symbiotic, and Visa Acceptance Solutions. Human Rights Watch: A Costa Rican man died in US ICE custody in Louisiana after family alleged missed insulin and meals; ICE says he received proper care.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is leading early UN Security Council straw polls to replace António Guterres, with Reuters reporting she received 10 “encourage” votes versus 9 for Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Immigration & Health: A Costa Rican man, Carlos Josué Marchena Marchena, died in U.S. ICE custody in Louisiana after family says he complained about missed insulin and meals; the case is fueling fresh scrutiny. Costa Rican Politics: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly rejected a motion for a minute of silence for Marchena, sparking a confrontation between ruling and opposition blocs. Regional Security: Colombia and Costa Rica’s presidents met in Barranquilla to boost intelligence-sharing and cooperation against drug trafficking and organized crime. Economy & Migration Appeal: Costa Rica ranked 20th in the 2026 Global Relocation Index and fifth for retirees, scoring highest on livability and health. Tech Payments: Apple expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to Costa Rica, adding Geopagos, Symbiotic, and Visa Acceptance Solutions.

UNGA Spotlight: The UN General Assembly’s high-level debate opens in New York with wars and AI front and center, and leaders including Brazil’s Lula, the US’s Trump, and France’s Macron set to speak across the week. Costa Rica Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s foreign minister Manuel Tovar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reaffirming San José’s break with Cuba’s “Castro regime,” calling it a “vile tyranny.” Public Health (Costa Rica): PAHO says Costa Rica can procure lenacapavir for HIV prevention via regional funds, expanding access across 14 countries. Health System Disruption: Costa Rica’s CCSS says it will clear salary delays for 482 workers after a strike disrupted surgeries and appointments. Demographics: Costa Rica’s fertility rate is projected to fall to 1.12 children per woman in 2026, with births at a decade low. Child Safety Warning: Authorities urge families to watch for signs of abuse, noting suspects are often relatives or people close to victims. Tourism Alert: The CDC issued a Level 1 travel notice for hepatitis A, mainly affecting San José province.

UN Secretary-General Race: Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the UN chief race, leaving seven candidates and keeping Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan in the lead after a third Security Council straw poll. Migration & Deportations: A new investigation says the Trump administration negotiated “third-country” deportation deals with at least 35 countries, moving 25,000+ migrants since 2025 with $410 million allocated through a State Department “Office of Remigration.” Costa Rica Health Alert: The CDC issued a Level 1 travel notice for a hepatitis A outbreak in Costa Rica, with 772 cases reported (most in San José province). Security Cooperation: Operation ATLAS NEXUS—covering Latin America and the Caribbean—netted 156.9 tonnes seized and 490+ arrests, targeting drug trafficking, human trafficking, document fraud, firearms, and environmental crime. Local Economy/Research: Peptides Costa Rica says it now holds verified research-grade peptide inventory domestically to cut customs delays for researchers.

UN diplomacy & Costa Rica’s role: Former Chile president Michelle Bachelet withdrew from the race to become UN secretary-general, leaving seven candidates; in the latest Security Council straw poll, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan narrowly topped the vote, keeping her in the lead as the UNGA prepares for its biggest week of diplomacy. AI & peace: Pope Leo urged AI systems that strengthen peace and avoid deepening social divisions, with a Costa Rica-based UN University for Peace rector among speakers at an “AI4Peace” event in Rome. Foreign policy clarification: Costa Rica’s foreign minister said there is no formal U.S. proposal for ground military operations in the country, while intelligence and joint anti-crime cooperation continues. Climate & travel disruption: Heavy rains caused landslides and debris that disrupted access to Irazú Volcano and forced closure of Route 32, with authorities assessing road conditions. Sustainability data push: Costa Rica will launch “State of Sustainability in Costa Rica 2026” to measure business, social, and environmental performance nationwide. Tourism & connectivity: British Airways announced new Tanzania routes (Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar) and a year-round extension of flights to San José.

UN Secretary-General Race: Chile’s Michelle Bachelet withdrew from the UN chief race after support collapsed in the latest Security Council straw polls, leaving Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan narrowly leading in the third indicative vote and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett close behind. Cyber & Privacy: Costa Rica’s data protection agency (Prodhab) opened a new probe into an alleged massive credit-reporting data leak, joining a Micitt investigation and a Public Prosecutor’s case after a dark-web post claimed 400+ million records. Climate & Travel Disruption: Heavy rains triggered a landslide blocking Route 219 toward Irazú Volcano and debris forced the closure of Route 32, disrupting access to key tourism areas. Sustainability Push: Costa Rica will launch the first national measurement of business, social, and environmental sustainability to create a baseline for tracking progress and shaping policy. Local Environment/Water Stress: Costa Rica raised its El Niño alert as rainfall shortages deepen, with impacts on the Dry Corridor.

UN Secretary-General Race: Chile’s former president Michelle Bachelet withdrew from the UN chief race after a weak showing in the latest Security Council straw polls, while Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains a leading contender after earlier polls placed her in front. Costa Rica Diplomacy: Cuba accused Costa Rica’s foreign minister of aligning with U.S. policy after he said diplomatic relations had broken, adding fresh heat to the fallout from Costa Rica’s embassy closure in Havana. Tourism Push: Costa Rica launched a major Europe-focused campaign in Paris, including large billboards and a strong presence at IFTM Top Resa, aiming to boost French visitor interest. Travel Convenience: The U.S. expanded Global Entry fast-track clearance partners, including Costa Rica, while New Zealand also published its transit visa waiver list for Auckland. Local Spotlight: A Costa Rica tourism feature leaned into the country’s “pura vida” appeal, using sloths and La Fortuna as the hook for travelers.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan has edged back into the lead after the UN Security Council’s third secret straw poll, winning nine “encourage” votes—still with opposition and no clear front-runner as more candidates could enter. Diplomatic Rift With Cuba: Costa Rica confirmed a rupture of diplomatic relations with Cuba, while Havana says it was never formally notified and accuses San José of following U.S. policy. Travel Rules: The U.S. expanded Global Entry fast-track clearance to include Costa Rica among 23 partner countries, while New Zealand and the UK also published lists for faster transit or border clearance. Local Spotlight: Juan Santamaría International Airport renewed its top Level 5 passenger experience accreditation, one of only 12 airports worldwide. Environment: Rangers recorded a rare orca sighting near Cocos Island, with only a handful of past encounters documented there.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is back on top after the UN Security Council’s third secret straw poll, leading with nine “encourage” votes, narrowly ahead of Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett with eight, though no clear front-runner has emerged. Diplomacy Rift With Cuba: Costa Rica’s foreign minister says there’s been a rupture with Cuba, but Havana says it was never formally notified and accuses San José of aligning with U.S. policy. Cybersecurity Watch: Costa Rica’s data protection authority (Prodhab) has opened an investigation into alleged exposure of millions of personal records on the dark web, after a report tied to a credit agency. Local Spotlight: Juan Santamaría International Airport renewed its top ACI passenger experience accreditation (Level 5) for a second straight year. Environment: Rangers recorded a rare orca group near Cocos Island, with only a handful of such sightings documented there in recent decades.

UN Leadership Watch: The UN Security Council held its third straw poll for the next secretary-general, and Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan narrowly led with nine “encourage” votes, followed by Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett with eight—though no clear frontrunner has emerged and veto-holding members could still block any candidate. Costa Rica Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar Rivera said Costa Rica remains open to people fleeing repression, while confirming a full diplomatic break with Cuba, including openness to discuss receiving deported Cubans from the U.S. Data Privacy: Costa Rica’s data protection agency (Prodhab) opened an investigation into an alleged massive dark-web leak tied to a credit reporting agency, after a technical report and a claim involving hundreds of millions of records. Regional Anti-Drug Cooperation: The U.S. said it is working with Panama to remove it from the drug transit/production list, while the broader list still includes Costa Rica. Culture & Tourism: A new “World in the Heart of Bogota” food festival brings 12 countries together, with Costa Rica’s chifrijo among the featured dishes.

Family Law: Costa Rican appeals judges say child support orders that convert dollar income into colones must use a clear, checkable exchange rate—no vague “from memory” math—after currency swings left payments misaligned. Economy & Cost of Living: The dollar hit another record low on Costa Rica’s Monex, shaving purchasing power for retirees and dollar-paid workers as everyday bills stay in colones. Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: A Comptroller audit says road repairs after floods and slides often repeat the same weak spots instead of redesigning for future risk, leaving Route 32-style washouts to come back again. Public Health & Services: CCSS prioritizes emergency care on strike day as health workers plan nationwide action over unpaid salaries. International Spotlight: The U.S. lists Costa Rica among 23 major drug transit/production territories for FY2027, while UNGA reform and geopolitics remain in focus ahead of the high-level week.

Health System Under Strike: Costa Rica’s CCSS says it will prioritize emergency care during a nationwide strike over unpaid salaries, with emergency rooms and urgent cases protected while other appointments and procedures could face delays. Currency Pressure: The dollar hit another record low in Costa Rica’s Monex market at ¢446.93, squeezing purchasing power for expats, retirees, and businesses that rely on USD inflows. Cybersecurity Alert: Costa Rica’s science and cybersecurity authorities opened an investigation into an alleged massive data leak tied to credit reporting firm Cero Riesgo, with claims of hundreds of millions of records circulating online. Political Tensions: Opposition legislators demanded action after videos from Cartago’s Independence Day events showed former President Rodrigo Chaves mocking a citizen over security checks, escalating calls for resignation. UN Spotlight: Qatar’s Geneva envoy highlighted a Costa Rica-linked initiative on protecting women and children in conflict during a UN Human Rights Council dialogue. Travel & Tourism: British Airways announced a 25% Latin America capacity boost for summer 2027, including a year-round extension to San José, Costa Rica (three weekly flights).

Digital Trade: Costa Rica officially joined the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), joining Singapore, New Zealand and Chile, with rules covering digital identities, cross-border data flows and AI for businesses. Tourism & Culture: Costa Rica’s “This is Pura Vida” campaign won Gold for Content Marketing Campaign of the Year and Silver for Media Partnership of the Year at the UK Travel Marketing Awards. Climate & Food Security: El Niño is driving a severe drought across Central America’s Dry Corridor, with dead animals, barren fields and hunger reported from Honduras to Guatemala and affecting Costa Rica too. Drugs & Diplomacy: The U.S. named Costa Rica among 23 major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries, while Trump praised India’s poppy crackdown and said listings don’t necessarily reflect current enforcement. Human Rights: A UN report warns that people cooperating with the UN on human rights face intimidation and reprisals, highlighting shrinking civic space and digital surveillance. Sports: Costa Rican defender Julio Cascante has joined Melbourne City.

Aviation & Business: Universal Aviation is now offering hangar space at Juan Santamaría International Airport through its partnership with GAT SJO, boosting general aviation capacity in San José. Environment & Accountability: A long-running controversy over a Costa Rica orange-juice company dumping orange peels in a national park is back in focus, with researchers revisiting the site years later. Public Health & Labor: Costa Rica health workers are preparing a nationwide 24-hour strike over ongoing payroll problems at CCSS after a new system rollout left some employees with missing or incomplete salaries. Politics & Courts: Thousands marched in Costa Rica during Independence Eve protests tied to the government’s judicial overhaul, with teachers’ union action moving to the Constitutional Chamber after security restrictions. Human Rights & UN Scrutiny: A UN report warns that people cooperating with the UN on human rights face intimidation and reprisals, citing cases across dozens of countries. US-Costa Rica Drug Policy: The US again lists Costa Rica among major drug transit/production countries for FY27, while stressing that inclusion doesn’t necessarily reflect current counterdrug cooperation. Health Innovation: Gilead and PAHO announced a milestone partnership to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention across Latin America and the Caribbean, including Costa Rica.