Latvia aspires to serve as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council for the first time. We are fully prepared to shoulder our part of the responsibility to uphold international peace and security and hope you will trust us with your vote.
Published: 09.11.2023.
President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, addresses the UN General Assembly,
22 Sept. 2023.
Photo by Ilmārs Znotiņš,
Chancery of the President of Latvia.
«The United Nations is the only truly global organization. It is the core of multilateral system uniting all sovereign states. It is especially important for smaller countries, like my own country – Latvia. Determination to protect the fundamental values of the United Nations Charter, to advance peace and resilience, and to revitalize the UN system guides Latvia’s candidacy for the Security Council elections in 2025.»
Edgars Rinkēvičs
President of Latvia
Tapestry Cerība (Hope) by Edīte Pauls-Vīgnere. A gift from Latvia to the UN in 1994. Photo by Gatis Rozenfelds.
Latvia firmly believes that the voice of every country, big or small, matters and deserves to be represented. Latvia will use its voice in the Security Council to defend the values and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Latvia will consistently advocate for international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and justice.
Latvia will bring its unique perspective to strengthen the resilience of the multilateral system – from building peace and preventing conflicts to increasing the collective ability to address the full spectrum of existing and emerging challenges.
Latvia is committed to share experience and exchange knowledge with partners across regions and find solutions together. Throughout our campaign, we will be listening to all UN Member States. We will continue our transparent engagement with the wider UN community while serving on the Security Council.
Flag-raising ceremony at
United Nations Headquarters
in New York.
On 17 Sept. 1991, Latvia became
full-fledged member of UN.
Photo by Milton Grant, UN Photo.
Latvia is a responsible, consistent, and reliable partner. We pledge to engage in the work of the Security Council in a constructive, open, and inclusive manner. Latvia will strive to make the Security Council more representative, transparent and effective.
Latvia has been a dedicated member of the United Nations since 17 September 1991, following the restoration of its independence. As a small country, Latvia relies on the international order rooted in the United Nations Charter, multilateralism and respect for international law to guarantee our sovereignty.
Latvia knows the value of freedom. Our history, marked by centuries under foreign rule and a struggle for independence, has taught us resilience. It has also made us receptive to issues that other small countries are facing.
Principles of human rights, the rule of law and good governance have been essential in Latvia’s transformation to a democratic society and shaping its international role. Having undergone a comprehensive reform process and the transition from an aid recipient to a donor, today Latvia is a modern and proud Baltic nation and an active member of the European and global community.