Prime Minister stresses importance of gender equality in UN address

RIGA - Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) in her address to the UN General Assembly stressed the importance of gender equality and denounced Russia's sexual violence against women in Ukraine, the prime minister's spokesman Aleksis Zoldners informed LETA.

On Monday, Silina participated in the world's largest gender equality forum, the UN's 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68).

In her UN address, Silina underlined Latvia's commitment to promoting gender equality and combating poverty at a time when new conflicts and climate change are taking place in the world, impacting women's situation in negative ways. 

Silina said that Latvia promotes accessible education and the debunking of gender stereotypes to increase women's opportunities to become future leaders and realize their dreams in professional fields, thus contributing more to society as a whole. She drew attention to Latvia's decision to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, thus asserting its commitment to tackling gender-based violence.

"Latvia, as a candidate in the UN Security Council elections 2026-2027, emphasizes the need to address conflict-related sexual violence. We continue to support women in Ukraine who are suffering from the war caused by Russia and related sexual violence. Let us not remain silent in the face of injustice and inequality. Let us show the world that we can make a difference - for ourselves and for our future generations," said Silina.

The Latvian prime minister also had a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In the conversation with the UN chief, Silina especially emphasized the need to internationally expose Russia's crimes in Ukraine, including the abduction of children, to maintain pressure on Russia and uphold the rules-based world order. Other topics discussed in the meeting included gender equality, the ratification of the Istanbul in Latvia, as well as Latvia's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. 

Silina also met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Thulisile Dladla, and the Vice President of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan. They discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, cooperation in international forums and the upcoming UN Security Council elections.

The Latvian prime minister also met with Anna Bjerde, the World Bank's Managing Director of Operations, and participated in a Nordic-Baltic Expert Group discussion on gender-based violence and women's economic empowerment.

As reported, Silina is in the United States on a working visit from March 11 to 14.