Dr. Francisco Rojas Aravena
Rector
Dr. Francisco Rojas Aravena, elected as the 8th Rector of the University for Peace (UPEACE) in 2013, secured a second term in 2018, and is currently serving his third term. With a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Utrecht (Netherlands) and an M.S. from FLACSO, his expertise spans international relations, human security, Latin American political systems, negotiations, and international security and defense. He’s held significant roles like Secretary-General of FLACSO and Director of FLACSO Chile. His teaching engagements include Stanford University, National University of Costa Rica, and the Andres Bello Diplomatic Academy. He’s on the editorial boards of various academic journals and has received accolades such as the Malinalli Prize and honors from Costa Rica, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic for his integration efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, he’s authored numerous books and provided consultancy for international agencies and regional governments. His areas of interest include international relations, international security in the Americas, analysis of conflict and negotiation, comparative Latin American politics, and human security.
Dr. Juan Carlos Sainz-Borgo
Vice Rector
Dr. Juan Carlos Sainz-Borgo, currently Vice Rector at UPEACE, is a distinguished Professor of International Law at Universidad Central de Venezuela, where he has taught since 1998. His extensive academic career includes roles such as Fulbright Visiting Professor at American University’s Washington College of Law, Professor of Humanitarian International Law at various Colombian universities, and Professor at Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio in Madrid. He brings practical experience as Jurist to the International Committee of the Red Cross and as a former member of the Venezuelan Foreign Service, focusing on border affairs and cooperation programs. Dr. Sainz-Borgo holds a Law Degree, a Master’s, and a Doctorate (Cum Laude) from Universidad Central de Venezuela, along with a Master’s Degree from Oxford University. He has authored four books and numerous articles on international law and relations. His areas of interest include international border conflicts, International Law, International Criminal Law, International Human Rights, and international courts and the settlement of disputes.
