RIGA – On July 5, 2023, over 80 professionals of Latvian descent, employed in more than 80 international organizations across 25 countries, gathered at Riga Castle for the highly anticipated Second Forum of Latvian Professionals Working for International Organizations. This event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed to facilitate a meaningful discussion on Latvia’s development and foreign policy. Distinguished speakers included President Egils Levits, Director of the State Chancellery Jānis Citskovskis, and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Ilze Brands-Kehris.
The primary objective of the forum was to strengthen the ongoing informal cooperation between professionals working in Latvia and international organizations. Their collective insights and expertise can significantly contribute to the development of an internationally open and dynamic public administration. Recognizing the value of networking among diaspora professionals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated conferences on Latvia’s opportunities in international organizations as early as 2007. During this year’s forum, an essential topic of discussion was Latvia’s position within the bodies and agencies of the United Nations. This issue currently takes precedence in Latvia’s foreign policy agenda leading up to the 2025 elections for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
The inaugural Forum of Latvian Professionals Working for International Organizations, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took place last year. It featured a presentation of a study conducted by the Centre for Diaspora and Migration Research at the University of Latvia, titled “Involvement of Latvia’s Professionals in Diaspora Diplomacy and the Potential of Network Diplomacy.” The findings emphasized that professionals working for international organizations could make significant contributions not only to public administration but also to other sectors such as education, research, economy, and science. An opinion poll conducted by the Centre highlighted professionals’ interest in future cooperation with public and non-governmental institutions in Latvia.
This year, when planning the event, the Foreign Ministry took into account the wishes and recommendations of the professionals themselves. They suggested adopting a round table discussion format for the forum, allowing participants to express their opinions more effectively during interactions with ministers and senior officials from defense, foreign affairs, economics, finance, education and science, climate and energy, as well as the leadership of the State Chancellery.
The forum attracted Latvian experts employed in various international organizations, including the United Nations, the OECD, the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of the European Union.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized this significant event in collaboration with the President’s Chancery, the State Chancellery, the World Federation of Free Latvians, and in partnership with the association Economic Cooperation and Investments for Latvia (#esiLV).
As part of the day’s activities, participants were invited to join the World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum (WLEIF) at the National Library of Latvia, which was celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
WLEIF2023 was organized by the World Federation of Free Latvians (PBLA) in cooperation with the ERDA agency. Financial support for the forum was provided by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, the Riga City Council, the American Latvian Association, and the State Employment Agency.
