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“I would like to thank the World Federation of Free Latvians and the organisers of the World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum – events like this are needed for us to look back together and reflect on how much we have achieved. We have many reasons to be justifiably proud – and we should share these with the world.
Having met with scientists, entrepreneurs and university representatives, I am convinced – we create outstanding products, innovations, and knowledge in Latvia. At the same time, we tend to underestimate ourselves and are too modest about our accomplishments – something confirmed by foreign investors working in Latvia.
Today, we are all free Latvians of the world – there are no longer divisions such as exile or diaspora.
We are united, we are free, and we have every opportunity and precondition to achieve even more – whether we are ‘Latvians in Latvia’ or ‘Latvians in the world’.
A positive trend – last year, more Latvians returned to live in Latvia than left. Most of those returning are of working age. That is very good news,” said Foreign Minister Baiba Braže in her address to participants of the 9th World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum (WLEIF) in Riga on 10 July 2025.
The Minister also highlighted the role of the diplomatic service – not only when it comes to assisting nationals in crisis situations:
“Embassies located outside the EU have, in fact, ensured the largest increases in export trade. This has been a deliberate effort, and we will continue this work, focusing on our key priorities – security, the economy, and care for people.”
This year’s forum brings together over 600 participants from 28 countries around the world.
At the opening of WLEIF at the National Library of Latvia, participants were also addressed by President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, Mayor of Riga Viesturs Kleinbergs, and President of the World Federation of Free Latvians, Pēteris Blumbergs.
Forum discussions focused on key thematic areas: security and the defence industry, energy and technology, education, and talent attraction. In a panel on Latvia’s security architecture and the development of the defence industry, participants included the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andžejs Viļumsons, with moderation by the Minister’s Adviser on Security and Societal Resilience, Tomass Pildegovičs.
Among nearly 70 presenters and panellists at the forum were:
Mārtiņš Kazāks, President of the Bank of Latvia; Ieva Jāgere, Director General of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia; Fredis Bikovs, Managing Director of the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency; Evita Simsone, Director of the State Employment Agency; Beāte Krauze-Čebotare, CEO of “AMMUNITY”; Gunta Šulte, CEO of “MADARA Cosmetics”; Vitnija Saldava, Regional Public Policy Lead for the Baltics at “Meta”; Roberts Ābele, CEO of “IONCOR”; Edgars Kalns, AI Specialist and Team Lead at “Deloitte Consulting”; Liza Ateh, Head of Knowledge, Skills and Learning at “Google.org” for Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Laura Ramane, Latvia’s Honorary Consul in Northern California; Sandis Voldiņš, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, and many others.
At the conclusion of the forum, producer Matīss Kaža shared the business success story behind the film “Flow”.
The World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum (WLEIF) is the largest Latvian diaspora forum and an important international platform that brings together entrepreneurs, scientists, experts, and policymakers of Latvian origin from around the world to strengthen ties with Latvia and promote economic cooperation, investment, and innovation development. The forum has previously been held in Latvia, Australia, and the United States.
Since 2013, WLEIF has been organised by the World Federation of Free Latvians and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, in cooperation with the communications agency ERDA. The event is also financially supported by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, the State Employment Agency, Riga City Council, the American Latvian Association, the University of Latvia Foundation, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (AmCham Latvia).