Latvia, elected to United Nations Security Council, pledges focus on Ukraine, cybersecurity and women, peace and security

A Latvian Representative (Representative of Latvia) said Latvia marked its first-ever election to the United Nations Security Council and pledged to prioritize Ukraine, cybersecurity, AI-driven disinformation and women, peace and security during its term.

"And, good day to all. It's a special day for Latvia. First time ever. We are elected to the UN Security Council. We are humbled," the Latvian Representative said. "We are overjoyed, and we are indeed ready for this responsibility. We are grateful for the trust, and we will justify it to the best of our knowledge and expertise."

The representative framed Latvia's priorities as a mix of immediate conflict response and attention to emerging threats. "We will spare no effort to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We will spare no effort to alleviate the human suffering in The Middle East, Gaza, Africa, and other conflicts around the globe," the representative said. They also listed cybersecurity, "AI produced disinformation," and maritime security as areas where the Security Council should focus.

On humanitarian and protection issues, the representative said the council must address civilian suffering and the special impacts on women and children. In listing priorities, the speaker said the agenda will "include advocacy for the UN Security Council's attention to the new and emerging threats of the 20 first century," and said Latvia "also stand[s] for advancing the agenda of women peace and security, including efforts to address ****** violence and conflicts." The transcript contains the asterisks as provided.

The statement invoked Latvia's history as context for its priorities: "As a country that was once ruled by a foreign powers, Latvia will be a firm and consistent voice in support of the UN Charter, international law, and in the sovereignty and in territorial integrity of all states. We know the value of freedom," the Latvian Representative said.

The speaker described an intent to work cooperatively with other Security Council members to translate information from UN field reports into "concrete solutions possible," and congratulated the newly elected members from "The Kingdom of Bahrain, Colombia, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Liberia" on their elections.

This was presented as a set of policy priorities and commitments rather than as a formal vote or binding decision by the council; no motions or local votes were recorded in the remarks.