17 September 2021 marks thirty years since Latvia became a member of the United Nations (UN). In 1991 on this day, the flags of the Baltic States were raised at the UN Headquarters in New York, symbolising the return of the Baltic States to the international community and the moral power of the rule of law. The UN is the first global organisation which Latvia joined shortly after regaining independence in 1991.
Latvia’s overarching goal in the UN is to protect and strengthen an international environment favourable for the country’s security, an environment where the principles of democracy and human rights, and the international rule of law are adhered to. UN membership has been one of Latvia’s foreign policy instruments for the strengthening of irreversibility of its statehood, protection of its national interests and engagement in global processes. Having participated in UN work for three decades, Latvia has evolved from a beneficiary into a donor; it builds relations with other countries, takes part in peacekeeping missions, as well as working in UN structures and addressing the problems of humanity.
