Freddy Ehlers, the current Ecuadorean Minister of Buen Vivir, is a journalist committed to social causes and the protection of the environment. From 1980 to 1988, he directed the Andean TV Program of the Cartagena’s Agreement Board, as well as the television series Nuestra América and Nuestra América para Niños (Our America and Our America for Children). From 1989 to 2006, he was the director and presenter of the television program La Television, one of the most popular programs on Ecuadorian television. In 1995, he received the "Global 500" United Nations Award in recognition of his work in defense of the environment. In 1996 and 1998, he ran for President representing the Nuevo País Party, receiving remarkable national support. In 2004, Freddy Ehlers was elected to the Andean Parliament, representing Ecuador and becoming Vice President. Between 2007 and 2010, he held the position of Andean Community Secretary General. From 2010 to 2013, he was the head of the Ministry of Tourism. As a Minister, he promoted a conscious tourism and the tourist brand Ecuador Ama la Vida, which later became the country’s brand. Since June 2013, Minister Ehlers as Secretary of State has led the Secretariat of Buen Vivir, an institution part of the Presidency of the Republic of Ecuador, whose mission is to promote the Sumak Kawsay, the Kichwa term that encompasses the development of every human being’s conscience while harmoniously living with other humans and Nature. The Secretariat of Buen Vivir works in the international field promoting a redefinition of the classical concepts of progress, development and wellbeing, which challenges the development model that has led to compulsive consumption and degradation of the ecosystems.