Mister President, Distinguished delegates,
First, let me thank the Secretary General and the Secretariat for the important reports presented here today. Allow me to present Latvia’s views on all three report.
Unpacking the debt of Africa: towards a lasting and durable solution
Regarding the unpacking the debt for Africa report, I would like to emphasize that, from our delegation's perspective, Africa's debt burden can only be managed through coordinated global and domestic efforts. To unlock the full economic potential of the continent, our urgent action is necessary to address the pressing issues in financing, energy, and food systems across the continent.
As the preparations for the Fourth International Conference of Financing for Development are underway, we have an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to engaging with and responding to the needs and priorities of the most vulnerable populations. The path toward achieving the SDGs is fraught with challenges, highlighting the urgent need for reform of the international financial architecture.
We recognise the crucial importance of progressive domestic resource mobilisation and capacity building, including sound public financial management. Global efforts on reducing illicit financial flows must also be strengthened. This requires good governance, with anti-corruption measures being crucial in this regard.
Promotion of durable peace through sustainable development in Africa
Mister President,
On the Promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa, Latvia would like to emphasize the link between peace and development.
In this spirit, we recently hosted the largest international forum on Latvia’s partnership with African countries. Participants from 18 African nations and their Latvian counterparts engaged in dynamic discussions on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, education, digital solutions, smart agriculture, and information resilience. Latvia leverages its expertise in these areas to expand our development cooperation with African countries. Development projects have been carried out or are underway in South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana, Egypt, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Answering our African partners’ call for stronger IDA21 contributions, Latvia proudly steps up with a 60% increase, driving ambitious goals for transformational development. We urge others to follow the suit.
As a regular contributor to the Peacebuilding Fund, we call for further efforts to seek coherence among the UN and the African Union, as well as other relevant partners, including civil society representatives.
Outreach programme on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the United Nations
Distinguished Colleagues,
On outreach programme on the genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda we would like to phrase the United Nations efforts to mobilize civil society for remembrance and education purposes.
As a sign of solidarity with the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, we unveiled a memorial in our capital city of Riga on September 30th of this year. The memorial serves as a reminder of the horrific atrocities committed during tragic period and honours the lives lost. It reinforces Latvia’s unwavering stance against genocide and crimes against humanity.
Our own history, marked by decades of foreign rule, has imbued us with a deep sense of responsibility to advocate for justice and human dignity everywhere.
Distinguished Colleagues,
By 2050, more than a third of the world's youth will live in Africa, contributing to a vibrant future defined by dynamism and innovation. We must recognize that Africa’s success is integral to global success.
I invite all of us to use this momentum and our joint commitments for the peace and resilience of African countries.
I thank you!