Statement on behalf of the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, by Signe-Znotiņa-Znota, Spokesperson of Latvia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations at the Committee on Information, [48th Session], General Debate
New York, 27 April 2026
Mr. Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered by the European Union.
I would like to begin by congratulating North Macedonia on its admission as a member of the Committee on Information.
At the outset, I thank the Department of Global Communications and the Under-Secretary-General for their leadership in promoting accurate, fact-based communication.
The global information environment is undergoing a profound transformation. It has become a “contemporary frontline”, where influence is exercised through digital platforms and artificial intelligence, shaping public opinion and electoral processes.
Mr. Chair,
The malicious use of AI is accelerating these challenges. It enables the rapid creation and amplification of disinformation, including deepfakes and synthetic content. It contributes to cybercrime, deception, and gender-based harm.
At the same time, AI holds significant promise. The key question is how to ensure its responsible and ethical use.
This requires a clear framework. AI must remain human-centric, grounded in ethical standards, under meaningful human oversight, and fully compliant with international law and human rights. We hope that the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, co-facilitated by Estonia, will advance this objective.
Mr. Chair,
The international community faces a growing threat from foreign information manipulation and interference, or FIMI, particularly by authoritarian actors. Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine demonstrates how disinformation is weaponized alongside conventional warfare. The Kremlin systematically deploys disinformation and propaganda to justify its illegal war of aggression, deny well-documented atrocities, deflect responsibility for global consequences, and distort international public opinion.
Emerging technologies, including AI, are increasingly used to manipulate information environments, interfere in democratic processes, and erode trust in institutions and governments. This includes the use of inauthentic accounts and networks by foreign State or non-State actors, coordinated amplification, and algorithmic targeting of specific audiences. Such practices are particularly harmful during electoral periods.
These external campaigns are often reinforced by domestic repression. Authoritarian regimes, including in Russia and Iran, restrict access to the open internet, suppress independent media, and criminalize dissent to control narratives and conceal the truth.
Mr. Chair,
A secure and trustworthy information environment is essential for international peace and security. We welcome ongoing UN efforts, including the Global Principles for Information Integrity and discussions under the Global Digital Compact. We stand ready to contribute to their implementation.
Disinformation increasingly targets the United Nations itself, undermining trust in its mandates and misrepresenting its work. False narratives about UN peacekeeping operations can have real-world consequences, including threats to personnel. Safeguarding the integrity of UN communications is therefore critical to both credibility and security.
Mr. Chair,
The Baltic States believe that resilience is the most effective response. We have adopted a whole-of-society approach, combining strong institutions, support for independent media, active civil society, and sustained investment in media and information literacy.
In 2021, Latvia was among the co-initiators of the UN General Assembly resolution establishing Global Media and Information Literacy Week. It takes place during the last week of October each year.
We must pay particular attention to younger generations, equipping children and youth with critical thinking skills needed to navigate today’s information environment safely and responsibly.
Mr. Chair,
Media freedom and the protection of journalists are fundamental to information integrity. Independent media plays a vital role in exposing disinformation, ensuring accountability, and maintaining public trust.
However, journalists continue to face grave risks. According to UNESCO, at least 68 journalists and media workers were killed in 2024, rising to 93 in 2025. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, at least 23 journalists and media workers have been killed in the line of duty. This trend is deeply alarming.
The Baltic States are firmly committed to media freedom. According to the World Press Freedom Index, Estonia ranks 2nd globally, Lithuania 14th, and Latvia 15th, placing all three among the world’s leading countries in safeguarding free and independent media.
The Baltic states have also provided refuge for journalists fleeing repression, enabling them to continue their work in safety.
We call for stronger international action to protect journalists and ensure accountability for crimes committed against them.
Mr. Chair,
Our experience shows that exposure to threats does not equal vulnerability.
We must both mitigate risks and harness opportunities by investing in AI capabilities, research, and training, including tools to counter disinformation.
Governments must work closely with civil society, media, academia, and the private sector to strengthen resilience. For example, in Latvia, the National Artificial Intelligence Centre, established in 2024, brings together government, academia, and industry to promote the development of safe, ethical, and trustworthy AI solutions.
Finally, technology companies and AI developers must meet their responsibilities. Persistent concerns remain regarding insufficient protection of user privacy and insufficient safeguards against interference in democratic processes. While some progress has been made, it’s not enough. Greater transparency, accountability, and cooperation are required to ensure that digital platforms reinforce, rather than undermine, democratic societies.
Mr. Chair,
In conclusion, information integrity, responsible AI governance, media literacy, and media freedom are deeply interconnected. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated global action.
The Baltic States will continue to actively contribute to this work within the United Nations.
I thank you.