On 18 March 2021, the Diaspora Advisory Council held its first meeting this year, opened by the Ambassador-at-Large for the Diaspora at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elita Gavele. The Ambassador thanked the Council, the diaspora organisations and everyone who are currently providing support for Ukraine.
Elita Gavele rated positively the work of the Diaspora Advisory Council, highlighting in particular three of its working groups – Coordination of Remigration, Remote Work, and Diaspora Media.
In view of the complicated geopolitical situation, the Ambassador called for special support to be offered to the Latvian diaspora in Russia. Ambassador Gavele reminded the audience of a forum of Latvian professionals working for international organisations, which is to be held in Riga on 17 August this year and opened by the President of Latvia.
Miks Muižarājs, who moderated a debate for the diaspora media, called for those present to discuss the role of the diaspora media and its challenges and tasks in the coming election. The World Federation of Free Latvians, the American Latvian Association and the European Latvian Association exchanged views on the activities they are planning to enhance turnout.
The Head of the Diaspora Media Group, Kristaps Grasis, presented an overview of their priorities – support for the overall activities of the diaspora media, development of appropriate infrastructure, and a unified mechanism of support for the diaspora media, including under crisis conditions.
Members of the advisory council were invited to share their experience and ideas of how the Latvian diaspora could jointly act in crisis and help Ukraine. A Member of the Board of the association for economic cooperation and investment to Latvia, ESI.LV, Elīna Pinto, informed the participants about the ways how the diaspora researchers and businesses could contribute to the provision of assistance to Ukraine. The diaspora organisations outlined their activities and support mechanisms they intend to implement in future. The President of the Board of the American Latvian Association, Mārtiņš Andersons, emphasised the need for a coordinated action; therefore, Latvians residing in America are invited to make their donations through an internet platform, Ziedot.lv.
The meeting included elections for two rotating non-permanent members of the Diaspora Advisory Council. The newly-elected members representing the Latvieši.com association and the Mayo Latvian Support Group in Ireland will hold office from 12 July 2022 to 11 July 2023.
Background information
The Diaspora Advisory Council is an advisory body aimed at promoting a coherent development of diaspora policy and setting of its annual priorities, as well as the implementation and evaluation of the diaspora policy. The operational principles of the Diaspora Advisory Council are laid down in the Diaspora Law, which entered into force on 1 January 2019. The Diaspora Advisory Council was established on 14 May 2019.