30th Anniversary of Latvia’s Membership in the UN / Article

The United Nations (UN) was the first organization to open its doors to Latvia immediately after regaining independence in 1991. On September 17, the flag of Latvia was solemnly raised for the first time at the UN headquarters in New York, and Latvia returned to the family of nations after 50 years of occupation.

There are currently 193 countries in the UN. The United Nations was founded in 1945. The statutes of the organization were signed by 51 countries.

But the war did not end for the Baltic States at that time. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia were occupied and could not sit at the UN year.

Before the war, our country was represented in the League of Nations, which is considered the forerunner of the United Nations. During the years of occupation, the representatives of the exile who established the organization “Baltic Call to the United Nations” – abbreviated BATUN, which organized large-scale demonstrations in the United States, reminded the United Nations that the Baltic States have the right to self-determination. Less than a month after the Supreme Council passed the constitutional law on state status on August 21, 1991, the UN General Assembly voted to admit Latvia.

Within 30 years, Latvia has become a recipient of aid. The experts talked about it in a discussion organized by the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Respect for international law, human rights, education, digital technology challenges, security and climate change – these are issues that Latvia will continue to emphasize.

“If we are talking about disinformation or infodemias, then we are also pushing for a resolution on media literacy. If we are talking about the digital divide, we are raising issues concerning small languages. Multiculturalism is the nuclear weapon of small countries, and this big microphone must be used in all situations.” said Latvian Ambassador to the UN Andrejs Pildegovičs.

Experts acknowledged that the UN needs reform.

“The UN is accused of not being effective enough. But, dear friends, that could be more effective if we talk about global issues. It is currently the only one that addresses these issues,” said Latvian President Egils Levits.

Latvia is ready to take on global problems and has set a goal to become a member of the UN Security Council in 2026-2027. per year. Support with Latvia’s candidacy is being discussed with the member states. “At the moment, there is already a solid number of votes. But it is still not enough for us to be sure. And a reserve is needed,” said Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs (“New Unity”).

The 30th anniversary of Latvia’s relations with the UN will also be marked by the forthcoming visit of the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonius Gutērres on October 15.

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