Embassy of Latvia and Organization of American States host a high-level panel discussion on women’s role in technology

The Embassy of Latvia, in collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS), hosted a high-level panel discussion “Women’s participation in the future of technology: security, ethics and culture”, focusing on addressing the importance of women’s involvement in the tech industry and how women’s perspective can be fundamental to the future of technology.

During the opening speech Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the United States of America Elita Kuzma noted that “One of the main priorities for Latvia’s candidacy for the United Nation’s Security Council is the promotion of women’s rights and their empowerment. Latvia acknowledges the key role of the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda in ensuring global peace and sustainable development”.

H.E. Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the OAS and H.E. Dace Melbārde, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia explored the challenges and opportunities that women face in the technology sector, with an emphasis on fostering inclusive and diverse ecosystems in both developed and emerging markets.

Secretary General Luis Almagro emphasized: “We need to empower women to actively participate in politics, otherwise we risk perpetuating old cycles of poverty and discrimination. It starts with breaking stereotypes in family and society, and changing political and social expectations”.

Parliamentary Secretary Dace Melbārde highlighted the importance of an inclusive approach for effective contribution to the digital age: “The participation of women, particularly in the Information and Communication Technology sector, represents a significant yet underutilized opportunity for economic growth”.

Elvīra Zaltāne, a leading advocate for women in technology, shared insights on RigaTechGirls’ mission to empower young women in Latvia and beyond in tech fields: “More than 35 000 people in Latvia have already been through RigaTechGirls programs, which is incredible considering the population of less than 2 million. Last year RigaTechGirls also supported 19 girls startup teams. Initiatives like RigaTechGirls help to provide girls with necessary experience and knowledge to transition to technology sector.”

The event brought together prominent opinion leaders, ambassadors, experts and key stakeholders from various sectors.

The event will be implemented as part of the public diplomacy programme in support of the lobby campaign of Latvia’s candidacy for the United Nations Security Council. The campaign under the motto of “Together for peace and resilience” aims at ensuring successful election of Latvia to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term in the 2025 election, at which Latvia is running for an elected member’s seat for the first time. Membership of the UNSC will be a key instrument in pursuit and protection of Latvia’s foreign policy interests, as well as making it possible for Latvia to expand the scale of its international cooperation and thereby contributing to world peace and resilience.