On 29 October 2020, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, took part in the meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in a video format, at which the OECD member countries discussed their national measures to overcome the crisis and the role of international cooperation for a strong, resilient, green and inclusive economic recovery.
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica underlined that a top priority for Latvia at this point in time is human health and addressing the socio-economic consequences of the pandemic. At the same time, the crisis is an opportunity to speed up and ensure green and digital transition of our economies. The advantages of digital technologies have already proved themselves during the pandemic.
“Strong multilateralism is crucial when we face global challenges,” the Parliamentary Secretary noted. Latvia appreciates the OECD’s analysis and evidence-based recommendations in almost any social and economic policy. This has helped Latvia improve its policies in the areas such as education, environment and digital transformation, which in turn will make us better prepared to grasp and take up opportunities available in the new economies, she added.
In conclusion, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica underlined that the pandemic has added urgency to our efforts against disinformation and misinformation. Coordinated and fact-based communication should be part of the global policy response to COVID-19.
At the meeting, the OECD member countries, after a break of three years, adopted a joint Ministerial Council Statement, which reflects the main lines of action to ensure an inclusive and sustainable recovery after the COVID-19. The member countries agreed to use the opportunities offered by digitalisation and ensure a green, inclusive economic growth based on international cooperation.
Background information
On 28–29 October 2020, the Ministerial Council of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) held a meeting with the main topic, “The Path to Recovery: Strong, Resilient, Green and Inclusive”. The Meeting brought together representatives from 50 countries and a number of international organisations.