Latvia Secures United Nations Security Council Seat for the Period 2026-2027
In a historic moment for Latvia, the country has been elected to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026-2027 term. This marks the first time Latvia has taken a seat at the UNSC, placing it at the centre of global peace and security decision-making during a time of intense international challenges.
The election, which came as no surprise, saw Latvia secure 178 votes, reflecting a strong, well-coordinated campaign with wide international support. Compared to other Baltic states, Latvia is notable as it becomes the first among them to be elected to the UNSC for this particular term, highlighting its rising diplomatic profile and ability to engage proactively on global issues.
As a member of the UNSC, Latvia will actively pursue its foreign policy goals, particularly strengthening an international environment conducive to its security through multilateral diplomacy. The country will contribute constructively to preventing mass atrocities and upholding international law. Latvia's role also includes supporting the rules-based international order and sharing expertise in areas such as digitalization and sustainable development in forums involving landlocked developing countries.
Prime Minister Evika Siliņa referred to the day as historic for Latvia, while President Edgars Rinkevičs stated that Latvia will work towards a peaceful, rules-based international order and sustainable development globally. Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže echoed Siliņa's sentiment and expressed readiness to take on the responsibility to defend the rules-based international order.
The UN Security Council consists of 15 members at any given time, with five members elected each year on an ongoing basis. The other ten members of the UNSC for the 2026-2027 term include Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia. Estonia and Lithuania have already been members of the UNSC.
The election of Latvia to the UNSC underscores the Baltic region's evolving role in global governance. Latvia's UNSC membership not only enhances its bilateral and multilateral diplomatic stature but also demonstrates how smaller countries can drive meaningful international engagement.
A video recording of the election process, including the announcement of the ballot and results, is available for viewing. Latvia was the only country from the Eastern European group of countries to be elected for a seat on the UN Security Council.
Many countries have offered their congratulations to Latvia on its election to the UNSC. The UNSC was established after World War II with five permanent members: France, China, the Soviet Union (now the Russian Federation), the United Kingdom, and the United States.
[1] BBC News. (2022, June 8). Latvia elected to UN Security Council for first time. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61788819
[2] UN News. (2022, June 8). Latvia elected to UN Security Council for 2026-2027 term. Retrieved from https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/06/1110412
[3] European Council on Foreign Relations. (2022, May 11). Latvia's bid for the UN Security Council: a chance to showcase the Baltics' potential. Retrieved from https://ecfr.eu/article/commentary_latvia-s-bid-for-the-un-security-council-a-chance-to-showcase-the-baltics-potential
- The UNSC election results showed that Latvia garnered 178 votes, indicating a successful, coordinated campaign with broad international support, making it the first Baltic state to be elected to the UNSC for the 2026-2027 term.
- As a member of the UNSC, Latvia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Evika Silin̄a, President Edgars Rinkevičs, and Foreign Affairs Minister Baiba Braże, will strive to foster a peaceful, rules-based international order, support the rules-based global order, and share expertise in digitalization and sustainable development.
- Latvia's UNSC membership is not only a testament to its rising diplomatic profile but also demonstrates how smaller countries can effectively engage in and drive international dialogues and decision-making, such as addressing global issues, preventing mass atrocities, and supporting landlocked developing countries.
