“On the theme “Recommitting to, resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”,
22 September UN Headquarters, New York
Honourable Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates and Participants, esteemed advocates and champions of gender equality,
It is my great honour to address the General Assembly especially on an occasion as significant as the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.
Thirty years ago, a historic commitment to gender equality was made, highlighted by the Beijing Declaration. Three decades of effort have brought significant achievements and equally significant backsliding.
In Latvia, we are currently focused on advancing gender equality by ensuring equal rights and opportunities in the labour market and education, addressing harmful gender stereotypes, and integrating gender perspectives into policy planning. Our Gender Equality Plan for the term 2024-2027 strengthens these commitments, focusing on concrete changes in employment and education, promoting gender mainstreaming across governance, and intensifying efforts to prevent and combat gender-based violence.
Recognizing the pivotal role of women in economic development, Latvia is committed to closing the gender pay gap and ensuring equal employment access. We support women entrepreneurs, promote family-friendly workplace policies, and enhance work-life balance.
Our focus on increasing women's representation in STEM and leadership roles highlights our dedication to breaking barriers. Latvia stands among the global leaders in gender balance in science, with women making up over 50% of our scientists.
I also want to highlight the importance of National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security, as we are currently developing our second Plan. National Action Plans are not just symbolic commitments, but practical tools for turning the WPS agenda into measurable progress on the ground. We encourage all Member States to adopt and strengthen their own plans, nationally or regionally, to ensure that meaningful participation of women is at the heart of peacebuilding, conflict prevention and security policy.
As an elected member of the UN Security Council for the term 2026-2027, Latvia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing the WPS agenda, both nationally and internationally.
Excellencies,
Latvia remains a steadfast supporter of the UN’s efforts to advance gender equality by committing to multilateral cooperation, continued financial contributions, and mainstreaming gender equality through all policies. Yet, true equality must be reflected within the UN itself. For 79 years, no woman has held the UN’s top position. We encourage Member States to turn words into action and nominate female candidates. It is time for a woman to hold the positions of UN Secretary General.
I thank you!