“Innovation comes from freedom. Digital connectivity and new technologies shape our prosperity, productivity and security today and beyond. At the same time, technological progress cannot be an end in itself – it is important to focus on human and technological interaction in order to provide new services and opportunities, thereby improving quality of life and strengthening the competitiveness of Latvia and Europe as a whole. Latvia leads the world in the realm of 5G and 6G, and we must be able to further develop and position Latvia as a favourable environment for investment, innovation testing and experimentation in this field,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, underlined in her address to the participants of the 5G Techritory Forum on 30 October 2024.
In a panel discussion on the European priorities for cybersecurity and connectivity, Baiba Braže said that alongside the development of connectivity, there should also be a conversation about cybersecurity, which is on the list of major global risks. Baiba Braže also stressed that it was unacceptable to use digital technologies to strengthen control by authoritarian regimes. Latvia is standing as a candidate in the UN Security Council elections in 2025 for the period of 2026-2027, and cybersecurity issues have been raised as one of the five priorities of its membership.
Highlighting Latvia’s achievements, Foreign Minister Braže pointed out that “due to the public, private and non-governmental sectors successfully cooperating, Latvia has managed to significantly develop digital services, which have enabled an increase in the efficiency and productivity of time and resources, and an overall advancement of the digitalisation of society.”
About the 5G Techritory international technologies forum
- On 30 and 31 October, Riga is hosting the seventh 5G Techritory forum, which brings together experts and policy makers for sharing experience and knowledge on latest technological advances and innovations in cybersecurity, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and 6G. The forum will also feature experts’ discussions on new possibilities and solutions for cooperation.
- Held in a hybrid format, the forum gathers around 12000 participants – industry leaders, policymakers and the representatives of technologies and tech companies, the academia and mass media from all over the world.
- This year’s 5G Techritory Forum also welcomes delegations from Ukraine and Moldova. Members of delegations will be able to meet experts from the European Commission, technology companies and investors with a view to developing opportunities for cooperation. The forum is expected to highlight the needs of both Ukraine and Moldova in the process of developing their digital infrastructure.
- The forum’s agenda: www.5gtechritory.com
