On 28 November 2024, in Warsaw Rising Museum, the Latvian Embassy in Poland organised the presentation of the film “My Freedom” (Mana brīvība) and held a discussion on the shared values between Poland and Latvia in creating a democratic and independent society.
At the opening of the event, the Latvian Ambassador to Poland, Juris Poikāns, emphasized the common historical experience of Latvia and Poland, and their struggle for independence and choosing a democratic path. Taking into account the current geopolitical situation, respect for international law and the protection of democratic values are of particularly high importance at the moment.
During the discussion, the director of the feature, Ilze Kunga-Melgaile, emphasized the important role of one of the leaders of the Awakening movement, the Latvian Polish public figure Ita Kozakeviča, who contributed to rousing the national and human self-confidence in people during the restoration of independence. With support from other nations living in Latvia, including the Polish, Latvia regained its statehood.
Among the 80 guests attending the screening and discussion with the film director there were public figures, members of the diplomatic corps from non-resident embassies, representatives of think tanks and history experts, as well as other cooperation partners.
The event was implemented as part of the public diplomacy programme in support of the lobby campaign of Latvia’s candidacy for the United Nations Security Council. The campaign under the motto of “Together for peace and resilience” aims at ensuring successful election of Latvia to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term in the 2025 election, at which Latvia is running for an elected member’s seat for the first time. Membership of the UNSC will be a key instrument in pursuit and protection of Latvia’s foreign policy interests, as well as making it possible for Latvia to expand the scale of its international cooperation and thereby contributing to world peace and resilience.