On 23 September in New York, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs participated in the United Nations (UN) Summit of the Future, highlighting in his speech the role of digital and new technologies, climate change action, gender equality, youth participation in decision-making, as well as the changes needed by the UN to maintain international peace and security.
Address by President Rinkēvičs:
Mister President of the General Assembly,
Excellencies,
The world is changing, bringing along new opportunities and challenges for our societies. We need to be ready to adapt to the new realities.
That is why we are here. For our joint commitment to effective global cooperation. For our roadmap to collective action – the Pact for the Future.
I would like to use this opportunity and thank Germany and Namibia for their leadership in steering the negotiations towards this ambitious outcome.
Effective multilateralism is essential in an increasingly interconnected world. Global challenges – from climate change and pandemics to conflict and inequality – go far beyond national borders. The United Nations has a key role in tackling these challenges.
Increase of threats to international peace and security are of particular concern. Building on the Secretary General’s New Agenda for Peace, we need a new approach to the evolving security landscape.
Achieving sustainable development for all and leaving no one behind are commitments we made in 2015. The overall progress towards Agenda 2030 is too slow. We must be more decisive and bolder in our commitment to these goals.
Allow me to highlight a few points:
Digital and emerging technologies can help to reach our goal of sustainable future. The Global Digital Compact is our path to inclusive digital transformation, where human rights are in the centre.
Our commitment to combat climate change and sea-level rise must be carried out. For some countries it is a matter of peace and security. For others – a question of existence.
Gender equality and empowerment of women is a requirement for sustainable development. Latvia is a strong advocate for the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Especially focusing on the elimination of war-related sexual violence.
Full and meaningful participation of the youth in decision-making is important. We must listen to the youth and deliver on our commitment to protect the generations to come.
The United Nations is the core of multilateral system uniting all sovereign states. It has an essential role to maintain international peace and security.
But the frameworks we have built need urgent revision. International institutions must become more representative. Reflecting today’s political and economic realities.
Latvia strongly supports the strive to improve the working methods of the Security Council.
The permanent members of the Security Council must uphold their responsibility to protect peace and security. Especially Russia, which continues to wage its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.
Ladies and gentlemen,
If we deliver on these commitments and the Pact for the Future, it will echo through generations.
Latvia is prepared to work towards safe, equal and sustainable future. Our commitment to the international rules-based order is driving also our bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council at the 2025 elections.
Thank you.