Arturo Condo is the President of EARTH University, an innovative global institution based in Costa Rica that prepares young leaders from across the world as change agents for advancing sustainable development and nature-positive food systems. It was here that Dr. Condo led the creation of EARTH Futures, a global centre that aims to transform rural areas and food systems for the better. He has also guided the launch of EARTH Ventures, an initiative to launch new businesses with purpose that contribute to the long-term sustainability of the University.

At EARTH University, his work seeks to meet the challenge that global food systems are failing both humanity and the planet. EARTH, the University led by Dr. Condo, exists on the premise that, given the opportunity and the right kind of educational experience, promising young people could become ethical leaders and agents of social and environmental change. The University recruits high-potential students from diverse backgrounds across developing regions, 80% of whom receive full or partial scholarship support and 50% of whom are women. To date, EARTH has prepared and empowered almost 3,000 young people from 54 countries across the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.

In the 2023 Alumni Impact Survey, EARTH found that the vast majority of its
graduates report making meaningful contributions to sustainable development, with particular strengths in sustainable agricultural production, environmental protection, and improving the quality of life of people in rural areas. On average, each EARTH graduate positively impacts approximately 2,500 people annually through their efforts, directly or indirectly. Many of these are smallholder farmers and their families in rural areas.

Dr. Condo is a member of the Inaugural Class of the Central American Leadership Initiative (CALI), an Aspen Institute Fellowship. In 2007, the World Economic Forum recognised him as a Young Global Leader. He is the author of numerous articles, books and teaching cases in business strategy, international business, competitiveness, and sustainable development.

Dr. Condo is Ecuadorian by birth and Latin American by heart. He is passionate about education as well as Latin America’s increasing role in the world. As a strong believer in the power of youth to change the world, he became the Founding Curator of the San Jose Hub of the Global Shapers Community, and Country Chair for Costa Rica for the organisation Global Dignity. He also serves as Senior Institute Associate of Harvard’s Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness.