Statement of Latvia by Oļegs Iļģis, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Latvia to the UN, at the UN Women Executive Board Second Regular Session, Agenda Item 2
New York, 9 September 2025
Madam President, Madam Executive Director, dear colleagues,
I wish to convey my deep appreciation to the passionate and tireless work of UN Women and for the visionary leadership of the UN Women Executive Director, Ms Sima Bahous. Your commitment has driven meaningful change for women and girls worldwide.
As we look ahead, the path to gender equality is marked by both progress and persistent challenges. We’ve seen more girls in school, stronger laws against sexual and gender-based violence, and women stepping into leadership. Yet inequality remains deeply entrenched, manifesting in violence against women, unpaid care, and exclusion from meaningful participation. At this pace, true equality is still centuries away. We must act with urgency to drive systemic change.
In this context, we welcome the UN Women Strategic Plan for 2026–2029 and the vision embedded in it - to achieve gender equality, the empowerment of all women and girls, and the full enjoyment of their human rights.
Today I want to elevate one essential accelerator to realize our vision: education. Not just formal schooling, but inclusive learning - through training, mentorship, and shared experience. Education lays the foundation for progress: it enables women and girls to make informed choices and access opportunities. It contributes to better health, economic independence, and stronger communities.
We commend that, for UN Women, the development of partners’ capacities and skills has been a long-standing practice to better respond to the needs of women and girls everywhere. We are encouraged to see this commitment carried forward in the Strategic Plan.
Latvia's support to women and girls in Ukraine. Photo: Embassy of Latvia to Ukraine
This understanding has guided our own efforts. In the past years Latvia, together with the civil society, has focused on capacity-building initiatives nationally and cross-regionally. We have conducted trainings and experience exchanges in Central Asia, and we have reached nearly 1000 women through the “She Rebuilds the World” programme in Ethiopia, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, strengthening the participants’ leadership and digital skills. This May, in our capital city Riga, we hosted training on “Women, Peace and Security” for young professionals from 19 countries in Asia and Europe. Our work in Ukraine, including with UN Women, on holistic support to women and girls continues.
"She Rebuilds the World" Cohort 3 graduation, Namibia, May 2025. Photo: #esiLV
WPS training in Riga, Latvia, May 2025. Photo: MFA of Latvia
Latvia remains steadfast in its pursuit of gender equality and, as an incoming member of the UN Security Council next year, will continue to champion the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda. Latvia stands ready to work alongside UN Women and the international community to drive bold and lasting change for all women and girls.
Thank you.