Latvia prepares for first UN Security Council term amid global conflicts
Latvia is gearing up to take on its first-ever term on the United Nations Security Council starting in January 2026. With an overwhelming majority of 178 out of 188 countries voting in favor of the Eastern European nation, Latvia is poised to address key international conflicts, including the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Foreign Affairs Minister Baiba Braže, who represented Latvia at the U.N. headquarters in New York City during the vote, expressed her country’s commitment to promoting peace and security on the global stage. In her address to the U.N., Braže emphasized Latvia’s goal of achieving a just and lasting peace in conflict regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East, while upholding the principles of the U.N. Charter.
Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Braže underscored the importance of delivering aid to the people of Gaza, without taking a specific stance on how it should be done. She stressed the need for efficiency and collaboration between all parties involved to ensure that aid reaches vulnerable populations in Gaza.
With Ukraine’s struggle hitting close to home for Latvia, Braže highlighted the parallels between the two countries’ histories as former Soviet republics. She condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s tactics in prolonging negotiations and expressed support for a peace-through-strength approach, similar to the vision put forth by former President Donald Trump.
Braže also called for international pressure on Russia to limit its income and access to technology, as well as intervention in partnerships that enable Russian aggression, such as the relationship between China and Russia. She emphasized the need to disrupt Russia’s military capabilities and reduce its ability to sustain its aggression.
In addition to addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Braže stressed the importance of bolstering Ukraine’s defenses and providing military, humanitarian, and political support to help the country resist Russian aggression. She lauded Ukraine as the strongest deterrent against Russian aggression and emphasized the country’s sovereignty and control over its territory as essential elements for lasting peace.
As Latvia prepares to take on its new role on the Security Council, Braže’s vision for a peaceful and secure world hinges on collaborative efforts to address key international conflicts and uphold the principles of the U.N. Charter. With a focus on promoting peace, security, and stability, Latvia is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage in the coming years.
