On 18 and 19 June 2026, Latvia participated for the second time in the high-level Tidewater meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, which brought together members of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Under-Secretary of State for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ivita Burmistre, emphasised in the discussions that, in the context of a changing security environment, development cooperation plays an important strategic role in the stability of partner countries and regional resilience, and therefore comprehensive support for Ukraine must continue. Sustainable results can be achieved by strengthening state institutions, promoting the exchange of knowledge and experience, developing local expertise and implementing digital solutions.
Members discussed progress of the OECD DAC review process and its future direction to enhance the DAC’s ability to respond effectively to evolving global challenges. They also discussed the role of development cooperation at a time when official development assistance is declining and geopolitical instability is increasing. The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships, mobilising additional funding to meet development needs, and the role of trade and investment in promoting sustainable development, including through private sector engagement.
Latvia became a member of the DAC on 19 March 2025. Membership in the DAC gives Latvia the opportunity to contribute to the development of international development cooperation standards and policies.
The DAC Tidewater meetings have been held since 1968 and bring together development cooperation policymakers from OECD DAC member countries.