“Our Common Agenda”
Thematic consultation 2
Statement of the Republic of Latvia
H.E. Permanent Representative – Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovičs
21 February 2022, New York
Mr President,
Since I speak for the first time during our discussion on Our Common Agenda report, let me express Latvia’s support for this process, which should lead to more effective multilateralism, being able to deliver better in order to tackle global challenges. Latvia supports the statement of the EU.
As a member of PBC, we welcome many elements of the New Agenda for Peace, including the emphasis on prevention and peacebuilding. Let me begin by underscoring the words of Secretary General who responded to unprecedented political pressure and concentration of Russian forces around Ukraine by urging to seriously de-escalate. Unfortunately, this call has been disregarded.
The decision taken today by the Russian Federation to recognise the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk, the Ukrainian territories outside the government’s control, is a continuation of the attack on Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity that began in 2014 by annexation of Crimea in a gross violation of international law, under a fabricated pretext, and by spreading false information. While utterly condemning Russia’s actions, Latvia urges the international community to take the strongest possible measures to stop Russia’s aggression and offer assistance to Ukraine.
I would like to limit my further remarks to the Our Common Agenda report points number 26 (public information code of conduct) and number 36 (disinformation).
Latvia is keenly aware of the challenges the rapidly changing information environment presents for our ways of life, to the functioning of our societies and governments, as well as for international cooperation. We have been actively contributing to efforts to address these challenges nationally, regionally, and now globally, through the UN.
A key challenge of our time is the spread of disinformation and misinformation, which hamper the ability of citizens to take informed decisions and can become a threat to democratic processes and good governance, which also undermines trust.
Our response in addressing this key challenge should focus on building resilience. This means:
- raising awareness of disinformation/misinformation;
- strengthening independent and pluralistic media;
- engaging with civil society;
- and promoting media and information literacy.
Above all, our response should be fully in line with human rights standards, including freedom of expression. This will also help us safeguard the public good of “information”, which we, perhaps, have taken for granted for too long.
The report rightly mentions the need to engage all stake-holders – governmental institutions, civil society organizations, the media and the private sector – in a collaborative and synergetic way. This should be a multi-stakeholder approach, implemented in an inclusive manner.
Media and information literacy is a key means to addressing disinformation and misinformation and building resilience. Latvia was among the initiators of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on Global Media and Information Literacy Week, adopted in March 2021. It is the first UN General Assembly resolution on media and information literacy, which also calls for action against the spread of disinformation and misinformation. We are glad it was co-sponsored by 96 UN Member States from all regions.
We agree that greater cooperation also at the global level is needed to improve our ability to address the challenges of disinformation and misinformation, while fully respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression and media freedom.
Therefore, Latvia supports the Secretary General call “for a global code of conduct that promotes integrity in public information”. We see that the aims of such a code of conduct must be to strengthen public trust in institutions, to promote human rights, including the freedom of expression and media freedom, as well as good governance, democracy and the rule of law.
Based on these key principles and values, we agree that the idea “could be explored with States, media outlets and regulatory bodies, facilitated by the United Nations”. Latvia stands ready to continue to constructively engage and contribute to a successful outcome of this process.
I thank you!