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About the 2025 Conference
Conference Theme
Sustainable Business: Challenges and Opportunities for Latin America
Sustainability is growingly important in business. The need for added socio-environmental protections is urgent as the world rapidly approaches various tipping points. Particularly for developing countries, which are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, among others. Coordinated actions, encompassing the government, NGO, and business sectors are essential.
With the above in mind, INCAE Business School warmly invites you to the BALAS 2025 Conference whose theme will be Sustainable Business: Challenges and Opportunities for Latin America. Its goal is to be a forum for academics, practitioners, and policy-makers to discuss the socio-environmental issues affecting business, geared toward generating solutions.
For business leaders, sustainability business are a source of winning ideas and a means to speed up their ESG efforts. At the same time, policymakers see them as an increasing demand to orient the creation of policy mechanisms and stimulate economic activity. The focus is on understanding how to unleash the potential of different types of sustainable businesses. In academia, researchers have dedicated attention to the mechanisms to make that happen. Yet, most academic literature has focused on sustainable business in developed countries.
The BALAS 2025 Conference will provide a scholarly academic forum for discussing sustainable business in the Latin American contexts, focusing on specific conditions and solutions of our reality. See all the Conference Tracks HERE!
About INCAE
INCAE was founded in 1964 under the auspices of the Central American Governments, the Kennedy Administration, and Harvard University. Over the past six decades, INCAE has become one of Latin America’s leading business schools, recognized internationally by consistently strong rankings. In 2018, INCAE achived the prestigious triple crown accreditation, placing it within the top 2% of business schools worldwide. Sustainability has long been a part of our educational model, which beyond developing first-class business leaders, strives to produce agents of positive socio-environmental change.
About Costa Rica
Despite its small size, this Central American country is astonishingly rich in biodiversity, housing over 6% of our planet's plant and animal species. Costa Rica has been long recognized internationally for its sustainability efforts. In 2022, Costa Rica became the first country in Latin America - and second worldwide - to receive a payment from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility for reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Nearly all its electricity comes from renewable sources, about a quarter of its territory is protected, and the country has a positive reforestation rate. All the above make Costa Rica an ideal setting for the sustainability-themed 2025 BALAS conference.
Conference Venue, Lodging & Travel Information
Registration HERE!
Visiting Costa Rica
Unsurprisingly, one of Costa Rica’s main businesses is eco-tourism. The country offers a variety of activities from which to choose. Whether beaches or mountains, adventure, beach, or relaxation, visitors are bound to find something of their liking. See www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/things-to-do.
Please note that the conference is scheduled right before Semana Santa (Holly Week/Easter), when much of the country goes on holiday. It is highly recommended to plan any tourism activities well before the conference and make the necessary arrangements in advance to ensure availability
Local Attractions
Costa Rica is a tourist destination renowned for its incredible biological diversity and beautiful natural beauty. The nation has something for every type of visitor, from its pristine beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts to its extensive rainforests and impressive volcanoes. Visitors can explore national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado, where animals such as monkeys, crows, and exotic birds flourish. Adventure seekers flock to Arenal Volcano to hike, visit hot springs and pirouette, while the Monteverde Cloud Forest offers a magical experience amid large trees and unique plant species. Costa Rica is made even more attractive by its commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism, making it a paradise for those who enjoy nature and seek outdoor experiences.
- Arenal Volcano: Discover the area for hiking, zip-lining and relaxing in natural hot springs.
- The Nicoya Peninsula/Manuel Antonio: Visit these beautiful beaches for sun, surf and animal encounters.
- Tortuguero National Park: Observe the sea turtle nest or enjoy bird watching in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
- San José and Central Valley: Discover the local culture by visiting markets, tasting “casado” or “ceviche”, and exploring museums. Visit a traditional coffee plant and experience Costa Rica's rich coffee culture, from seed to cup.
- Osa Peninsula: The canals of the Osa Peninsula are one of the most diverse regions in the world for an eco-tourism experience.
- Pacuare River: The Pacuare River is one of the best places in the world for rafting enthusiasts.
- La Fortuna Waterfall: Hike to this beautiful waterfall in the jungle, ideal for a refreshing swim.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest: Take a guided tour at night to observe the unique nocturnal wildlife.
- Cahuita National Park: Relax and snorkel along the Caribbean coast, exploring vibrant corals.
Discover Costa Rica
Museums and Art
Local Music
Music is a cornerstone of Costa Rican cultural identity, reflecting a blend of indigenous, European, and African influences. Genres like Calypso, Soca, and Merengue are popular, especially on the Caribbean coast, while Folk music remains a staple during cultural celebrations nationwide. Instruments such as the marimba and quijongo are emblematic of Costa Rica's musical heritage and are often featured during traditional performances and festivals, helping to maintain the lively rhythms that define Costa Rican music.
Literature
Costa Rican literature, with its rich narratives and poignant poetry, offers profound insights into the country's social and political landscapes. Figures like Joaquín Gutiérrez and Carmen Lyra have penned works that are celebrated for both their artistic and historical significance. Libraries, such as the National Library of Costa Rica, serve as custodians of this literary heritage, ensuring public access to a wide array of texts that span genres and generations, fostering a well-read and informed populace.
History
Costa Rica's history, from its pre-Columbian roots to its colonial past and eventual democratic development, is a compelling story of resilience and peace. Historical sites like the National Museum of Costa Rica offer detailed narratives through exhibits that include colonial artifacts, indigenous ceramics, and a butterfly garden that symbolizes transformation and growth. Understanding this history is crucial for both locals and visitors to appreciate the peaceful ethos that Costa Rica champions today.
Gastronomy
Costa Rica's gastronomy emphasizes fresh and locally sourced ingredients, such as tropical fruits, vegetables and a variety of seafood. The food is tasty but simple, emphasizing natural ingredients without overloading with spices, making Costa Rican cuisine nutritious and enjoyable. The traditional “gallo pinto” is a beloved breakfast dish made with rice, beans and different condiments. Typical Costa Rican dishes often include “casado”, a dish filled with rice, salad, fried plantains and a choice of meat or fish. Another delicious recommendation is the “chifrijo”, a dish served in a bowl with rice, beans, pico de gallo, and pork rinds.
You can find a list of restaurants in each zone in the country here: Restaurants Costa Rica | Visit Costa Rica | The official site about tourism in Costa Rica
Conference Venue, Lodging & Travel Information
Registration HERE!