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PREPARATORY COMMISSION FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR-TEST BAN TREATY ORGANISATION |
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Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, CTBTO
CTBTO headquarters are situated in Vienna. |
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In 1996 with a convincing support of the members of the General Assembly the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty was adopted (CTBT). CTBT imposes a total ban on nuclear tests. The Preparatory Commission carries out the necessary preparations for the effective implementation of the Treaty. The Treaty is a cornerstone for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation of the nuclear weapons.
The Treaty has not entered into force as yet, therefore only the Preparatory Commission and Provisional Technical Secretariat are operational. In order the Treaty took effect 44 ratifications by particular states are required. So far 11 states of the 44 (including several major nuclear powers, like USA, China, Israel, Iran, India, Pakistan, North Korea, a.o.) have not ratified the Treaty.
174 member states have signed the Treaty, but only 120 have ratified it. |
Latvia ratified CTBT in 1996.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for CTBT, including the budgetary payments. |
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UN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION |
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The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
FAO headquarters are situated in Rome. |
Co-operation partners |
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FAO was established in 1945. FAO mandate is reduction of poverty through promotion of agricultural development by supporting production of healthy and safe food in the developing countries and fostering improvement of quality of life in the poor rural districts all over the world. FAO is the leading UN agency charged with the promotion of the rural development, agriculture, forestry and fisheries on a global scale.
The activities of FAO focus on accumulation of knowledge and putting information within reach, sharing of policy expertise, providing a meeting place for nations, bringing knowledge to the field.
FAO has 183 member states and 1 member organisation – European Union. |
Latvia is a member state of FAO since 1991. As a member state Latvia is entitled to technical assistance to strengthen capacity of the sectors within competence of FAO. The projects supported by FAO are divided in national projects (where assistance is focused on development of particular sector in Latvia), regional projects (where Latvia is one of the recipient countries) and projects of the TeleFood Special Fund (since 1997 administered by UNDP in co-operation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre). |
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INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY |
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International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA
IAEA headquarters are situated in Vienna. |
Co-operation partners: |
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IAEA is the world's centre of co-operation in the field of nuclear energy. The agency was established in 1957. At the moment IAEA has 138 member states. IAEA co-operates with other partner organisations actively to promote safe and peaceful uses of the nuclear energy. IAEA provides significant support for research, training and acquisition of special equipment. IAEA runs various projects to improve the situation in health, water, environment and other sectors, especially in the least developed countries.
An important pillar of IAEA is control over non-proliferation of the nuclear weapons as it is the only organisation that supervises compliance of the countries with the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). If the countries do not co-operate with the agency, it is restricted in its ability to carry out checks on them (as is the case with North Korea, Iran, Israel a.o. countries).
In 2005 IAEA was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The prize was awarded to the agency and also to its current Director General – Mr. Mohamed ElBaradei. |
Latvia joined IAEA in 1997.
The Radiation Safety Centre (RSC) is the leading representative of Latvia in IAEA. The centre establishes international and public contacts in the fields of radiation safety and nuclear safety, co-ordinates co-operation with foreign countries, international and foreign radiation safety and nuclear safety organisations, co-ordinates the upgrading of the training of the employees of the centre by making use of its international co-operation opportunities, and ensures that the information and documents required for the functioning of the centre are available. The application forms for IAEA training courses, workshops and scientific visits are available also on RSC home page. |
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INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT |
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International Criminal Court, ICC
ICC headquarters are situated in the Hague |
Co-operation partners: |
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ICC was established in 1992 on the basis of the Rome Statute ratified by 120 countries in 1998. There are 18 judges elected to the court for a period of 3, 6 or 9 years. A breach of the Rome Statute implies a breach of the international criminal law and entails ICC investigation.
ICC is an independent international organisation that is not directly affiliated to the UN system. |
In 2003 Ms. Anita Ušacka – the former chairperson of the Constitutional Court - was elected to one of the 18 posts of ICC judges. In 2006 Ms. Ušacka was re-elected for a period of 9 years. |
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INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION |
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International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO
ICAO headquarters are situated in Montreal. |
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ICAO was established in 1994. At the moment the organisation comprises 188 member states.
ICAO stipulates the fundamental principles, standards and recommendations for the operation of the civil aviation to ensure safety, efficiency and regularity of air transport.
The aims and tasks of the organisation are to develop the principles and methods of the international aero navigation and support the planning and development of the international air transport in order to: - ensure safe and regulated development of the international civil aviation all over the world;
- promote the building and operation of aircraft for peaceful uses;
- support the development of the air routes, airports and aero navigation means necessary for international aviation;
- satisfy the need of the peoples for safe, regular, efficient and economical air transport;
- prevent the economic losses incurred by unreasonable competition;
- ensure that the rights of the states-contracting parties are honoured fully and that each state-contracting party has equal rights to use the services of the air carriers engaged in the international air traffic;
- prevent discrimination against the states-contracting parties;
- promote safety of the international aero navigation flights;
- support the international civil aeronautics in all of its aspects.
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Latvia is a member state of ICAO since 1992. Latvia has ratified all of the most significant regulatory enactments governing the operation of the global civil aviation (6 conventions, 8 protocols and transit covenant of the international air traffic) and complies with their requirements consistently. The Ministry of Transport implements co-operation with ICAO, except for meteorological issues. The Hydro Meteorological Agency of Latvia (HMAL) is authorised to co-operate with ICAO on meteorological issues. |
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INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION |
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International Labour Organization, ILO
ILO headquarters are situated in Geneva. |
Co-operation partners: |
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ILO was founded already in 1919 as the first specialized UN agency. The main aim of ILO is to promote social justice and recognition of international labour and human rights. The task of ILO is to formulate the international labour standards into the form of conventions and recommendations setting the minimum standards of the basic labour rights: freedom of association, the right to organize, collective bargaining, abolition of forced labour, equality of opportunity and treatment, a.o. standards.
ILO also consults and provides technical assistance to the countries in the elaboration and implementation of the national policies as well as training and education opportunities (in the International Training Centre in Turin, Italy).
In 1993 the Central and Eastern European Bureau of ILO was established in Budapest. |
Latvia is a member state of ILO since 1991 and so far has ratified 45 conventions.
On behalf of Latvia the following institutions co-operate with ILO: Ministry of Welfare, Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia (FTUC), State Employment Agency, the state-owned JSC "Maritime Administration of Latvia", a.o. institutions.
The tri-partite events organized by ILO form a very significant component of the co-operation of FTUC with ILO: - on regular grounds FTUC provides statistical information about compliance with the international standards in Latvia, updated and supplemented information about the policy and practice of the trade unions in Latvia is being sent to ILO, also information about the political, economic and social situation in the country and latest information about FTUC is transferred to ILO;
- ILO sends information about the adopted conventions that is to be compared with the conventions ratified by the government of the Republic of Latvia.
- FTUC experts may turn to ILO for assistance if the rights of the trade unions or members of the trade unions have been violated (several reports have been sent to ILO about the breaches of the social dialogue in Latvia on the part of the government).
The State Employment Agency provides information to ILO about the labour market and unemployment in Latvia regularly, thus enabling ILO to compare the economic indicators of Latvia with the indicators of other countries. |
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INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND |
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International Monetary Fund, IMF
IMF headquarters are situated in Washington.
More about Latvia in IMF. |
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IMF was established in 1944 at the United Nations conference in Bretton Woods (USA). Now IMF is an international organisation comprising 184 member states. Officially the IMF came into existence on 27 December 1945 when the IMF Articles of Agreement were signed.
The aims of the IMF are to: promote international monetary co-operation, exchange stability, economic growth, employment and provide short-term financial assistance to the countries by establishing equilibrium in their balances of payments.
Purposes for establishment of IMF: - The overriding purpose for the establishment of the system was to avoid the recurrence of the devastating economic policies that contributed to the Great Depression of the 1930's.
Article 1 of the IMF Articles of Agreement stipulates that IMF has to: - promote an international monetary co-operation,
- facilitate the expansion of the international trade and adequate growth;
- promote exchange stability,
- assist in the establishment of multilateral system of payments,
- make IMF resources available to the member states (under adequate safeguards) if they experience problems with their balance of payments.
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Latvia joined IMF in 1992. The permanent representative office of IMF in Latvia worked from 1992 till the end of the year 2004. The activities of IMF in Latvia included provision of assistance by developing programmes of the economic policy, providing technical support and training.
The law "On Accession of the Republic of Latvia to the International Monetary Fund" passed on 15 April 1992 set out the liabilities and commitments and accession conditions of Latvia in respect of the IMF Articles of Agreement.
In accordance with the decree No 528 "On the Representation of the Interests of the Republic of Latvia in the International Monetary Fund" of December 6, 1994, the Minister of Finance became the Governor of the International Monetary Fund for the Republic of Latvia and the Governor of the Bank of Latvia was appointed the Alternate Governor. This arrangement was effective until 20 March 2003 when the Cabinet of Ministers issued a decision on transferring the functions of the Governor of the IMF to the Governor of the Bank of Latvia, and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance was appointed the Alternate Governor.
Plenary sessions of the IMF and the World Bank's Boards of Governors are only scheduled during the Annual Meetings in the autumn. However, each spring, the IMF's International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) and the joint World Bank-IMF Development Committee hold meetings to discuss progress on the work of the Fund and Bank. IMFC usually meets twice a year, in September or October before the Bank-Fund Annual Meetings, and in March or April at what are referred to as the Spring Meetings.
Within the framework of the economic policy programmes the co-operation of IMF and government of Latvia lays emphasis on the macro economical issues - financial, monetary, exchange and trade policies that aim to achieve a stable growth of the national economy, low inflation and good balance of payments. The Economic Policy Memorandum signed by the government of Latvia and Bank of Latvia comprises guidelines for achieving of these aims. Usually, if there is a memorandum concluded with the IMF, the mission of IMF visits the country two times a year (in spring and autumn) to examine compliance with the criteria established in the memorandum.
At the moment (in December 2005) Latvia neither has any debt liabilities towards the IMF nor plans to borrow from the IMF. The current co-operation takes place within the framework of IMF monitoring measures (including consultations under Article 4) by Latvia taking part in the regular IMF meetings and voting of the governor. |
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INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION |
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International Maritime Organization, IMO
IMO headquarters are situated in London. |
Co-operation partners: |
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IMO was established on the basis of the Convention about the International Maritime Organization signed on 6 March 1948 in Geneva at UN Maritime Conference. The IMO convention entered into force on 17 March 1958 (ratified by 21 countries) and the organisation convened for the first time in 1959.
The purposes of IMO are to improve the safety of the international shipping, prevent marine pollution from the ships, ensure operation of the international maritime traffic and establish the legislative framework. IMO has adopted more than 50 international instruments (conventions and protocols) and around 930 resolutions whose conditions are to be incorporated in the national legislations.
The World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden, is a specialised training and education facility for the experts involved in maritime administration, education and management. IMO International Maritime Law Institute in Malta trains lawyers in maritime law. |
Latvia is a member state of IMO since 1993.
Latvian experts participate in IMO committees and sub-committees regularly. The committees and sub-committees use the work plan of IMO as the branch management plan and reference point for development and setting of the targets to be achieved. |
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INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY |
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International Seabed Authority, ISA
ISA headquarters are situated in Kingston, Jamaica. |
Co-operation partners: |
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ISA is an independent organization established on the basis of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea dated 1982. ISA was established in 1994, but became fully operational in 1996. |
Latvia is a member state of the authority since 2004. |
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INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION |
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International Telecommunications Union, ITU
ITU headquarters are situated in Geneva. |
Co-operation partners: |
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The International Telegraph Union was founded in 1865 in Paris. In 1934, due to the International Telecommunications Convention adopted in 1932 in Madrid, the Union was renamed the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In 1947 ITU became a specialized UN telecommunications agency.
ITU purposes are to promote the development of the telecommunications, elaborate co-ordinated national programmes in the field of telecommunications and promote the co-operation of the public and private sectors. ITU prepares international legal norms (agreements) that are incorporated into the laws of the member states. ITU manages the radio frequency spectrum on the land and in the air required for the geostationary orbital satellites. ITU works at the standardization of the mutually related telecommunications systems throughout the world, despite the different technological development phases of the countries. ITU promotes the development of the telecommunications in the developing countries by providing consultations, technical assistance, project management and training, thus fostering also the development of the branch of the telecommunications on a global scale. |
Latvia is ITU member state since 1922 (until 1940); the status of member state was renewed on 11 November 1991.
Latvia has joined 4 ITU conventions.
PUC takes part in the workshops and conferences organised by ITU regularly and exchanges information with ITU. In 2004 the representatives of PUC have participated in ITU events devoted both to topical development issues of the branch and legal matters (related to dispute settlement in the branch of telecommunications).
PUC co-operates closely with the Telecommunications Development Bureau (TDB) and Telecommunications Standardization Bureau (TSB). |
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ORGANIZATION FOR PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS |
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Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, OPCW
OPCW headquarters are situated in the Hague. |
Co-operation partners: |
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The countries that joined the Chemical Weapons Convention established OPCW in 1997. The major aim of the organisation is to monitor the implementation of the measures stipulated by the convention.
At the moment OPCW has 174 member states. |
Latvia is a member state of OPCW since 1997 when the ratified Chemical Weapons Convention took effect.
The ambassador of the Republic of Latvia in the Netherlands is an accredited permanent representative of Latvia in OPCW. The second diplomat is the deputy permanent representative. The embassy participates in the meetings of OPCW regional and EU co-ordination working groups as well as follows other developments in the work of the organisation. |
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JOINT UN PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) |
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The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
UNAIDS headquarters are situated in Geneva.
In Latvia UNAIDS had interagency co-ordinator at UNDP Country Office. |
Co-operation partners: |
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The overriding and global purpose of UNAIDS is to manage, strengthen and support the strategic measures limiting HIV epidemic to: - control the spread of HIV;
- care for and support HIV infected people;
- reduce HIV risk factors that affect both – the individual and society at large;
- reduce the social and economic impact of the epidemic on the society.
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UNAIDS started to work in Latvia in 1996.
Until the end of 2005 the co-operation was co-ordinated by inter-agency co-ordinator at UNDP Country Office in Latvia.
AIDS Prevention Centre represents Latvia in UNAIDS and other institutions of international AIDS programmes and co-ordinates the activities of these institutions in Latvia. |
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UN CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT |
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Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD
UNCTAD headquarters are situated in Geneva. |
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Founded in 1964 UN Conference on Trade and Development is the main UN General Assembly institution in trade and development. The major assignment of UNCTAD is promotion of economic development and trade, especially in developing countries.
UNCTAD has 190 member states that meet once in 4 years. |
Latvia is a member state of UNCTAD.
Several projects have been implemented in co-operation with UNCTAD, mainly in customs administration, trade policy, international trade and investments. |
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UN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME |
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UN Development Programme, UNDP
UNDP headquarters are situated in New York.
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Co-operation partners: - State, municipal institutions,
- NGOs,
- private sector within various projects.
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UNDP mission is to help the transition countries to implement a sustainable human development. UNDP country offices are open in 166 countries and with an annual budget of more than 2 billion US dollars have become a major UN organisation in the promotion of development.
In 2000 UNDP claimed the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals till 2015 a major challenge throughout the world. |
Latvia opened co-operation with UNDP in 1993 by defining the framework of co-operation for Latvia and UNDP.
The tasks of UNDP Country Office in Latvia were to promote public integration and good governance, support environmental protection, control the spread of HIV/AIDS, thus aiming to eradicate poverty and support sustainable human development. These tasks were implemented in line with the agreement between UNDP and government of Latvia (1997-1999, 2001-2004, 2005) elaborated on the basis of the common country assessment – "Putting People First" and annual UNDP reports – "Latvia. Human Development Report".
UNDP was authorised to co-ordinate the work of other UN agencies and programmes in Latvia as well as represent the agencies that did not have offices in Latvia.
UNDP Country Office in Latvia was closed at the end of 2005. Nevertheless, several environmental projects continue, for example, in co-operation with Ziemeļvidzeme Biosphere Reserve (www.biosfera.gov.lv). |
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UN ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE |
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UN Economic Commission for Europe, UN ECE
UN ECE headquarters are situated in Geneva. |
Co-operation partners: |
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UNECE was established in 1947 as one of the five regional subcommittees of UN Economic and Social Council. The aim of UNECE is to foster economic co-operation among its member countries. UNECE concentrates on the economic analysis, statistics, sustainable energy, trade, industry, enterprise development, timber production and transport. The activities of the commission include policy analysis, elaboration of the conventions, regulations and standards and technical assistance. At the moment UNECE comprises 55 member states. Also more than 70 international professional organisations and NGOs are involved in the work of UNECE.
The work of UNECE is organised in 7 committees. |
Latvia became a member state of UNECE in 1991.
The Ministry of Transport, Road Traffic Safety Directorate and other stakeholders take part regularly in the meetings of the Committee No 7 – Inland Transport. |
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UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME |
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UN Environment Programme, UNEP
UNEP headquarters are situated in Nairobi.
UNEP Europe Office headquarters are situated in Geneva. |
Co-operation partners: |
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UNEP, established in 1972 and acting as the catalyst, defender, educator and promoter, is the main instrument of UN system in the sphere of environment.
UNEP Europe Office concentrates on environment for Europe, environment and health, protection of forests in Europe. |
The Ministry of Environment is the contact point of UNEP. The Ministry co-ordinates the implementation of the general conventions of UN Framework Convention on climate change (UNFCCC), Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and Convention on Long-range Cross-border Air Pollution. |
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UN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL |
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UN Economic and Social Council, UN ECOSOC + Department of economic and social affairs
UN ECOSOC headquarters are situated in New York. |
Co-operation partners: |
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The Economic and Social Council co-ordinates the work of the UN 14 specialised agencies, 10 functional commissions and 5 regional commissions, receives reports from 10 UN funds and programmes, issues recommendations for the UN system and to the member states. The Council's 54 members are elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms. |
Latvia participates in ECOSOC meetings to discuss economic and social issues. |
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UN EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANISATION |
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UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO
UNESCO headquarters are situated in Paris.
UNESCO Latvian National Commission (LNC) – Mr. Rolands Ozols, Secretary General of UNESCO LNC, Pils laukums 4 - 206, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia, office@unesco.lv; +371 7325109.
Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Latvia to UNESCO in Paris (Mr. Rolands Lappuķe). |
Co-operation partners: - Ministry of Culture,
- Ministry of Education and Science,
- Ministry of Education and Science, Sports Board, International Division,
- President's Chancery,
- Ministry of Finance,
- Ministry of Environment,
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
- Ministry of Welfare, Social Services and Social Assistance Department,
- Ministry of Regional Development and Local Government,
- Ministry of Justice,
- Academy of Science of Latvia,
- National Library of Latvia,
- University of Latvia,
- Latvian Culture Foundation,
- Council of Creative Unions of Latvia,
- State Inspection for Protection of Cultural Monuments,
- Directorate of the State Archives,
- Latvian National Centre for Traditional and Performing Arts,
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UNESCO was established in 1945. Now UNESCO comprises 190 member states.
UNESCO is a specialised agency within the UN system. UNESCO mission is to contribute to development of peace and society by establishing co-operation between people and nations through education, science, culture and communication.
The work of the organisation embraces education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, communication and information.
UNESCO focuses on building a world of education for all, environmental research, promotion of diversity of cultural expressions, preservation and protection of the global natural and cultural heritage, promotion of free flow of ideas by word and image and improvement of communication opportunities of the developing countries, etc. |
The Statute of UNESCO LNC approved by the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia on 10 December 1994 provides the legal basis of the UNESCO Latvian National Commission. The Statute declares that LNC is an independent institution of the Republic of Latvia with the following functions: to prepare the recommendations to the Saeima and Cabinet of Ministers on UNESCO activities, to promote participation of Latvia's youth, teachers, representatives of the creative professions, scientists, employees of the state and municipal institutions in UNESCO programmes and events, to develop and strengthen the relations with other countries by implementing common projects and representing Latvia in international events, conferences, seminars and research projects.
UNESCO activities in Latvia are implemented by: UNESCO Latvian National Commission (Assembly, Executive Committee (+Programme Councils and working groups), Secretariat, UNESCO Information Centre), Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Latvia to UNESCO, UNESCO Associated Schools, UNESCO Clubs.
UNESCO LNC priorities: - integration of society from the perspective of life-long learning;
- implementation of the World Education Forum's framework for action 'Education for All' in Latvia;
- friendly environment and man in it;
- preservation and development of the Historic Centre of Riga as a site of the UNESCO World Heritage;
- safeguarding of the verbal and intangible cultural heritage of Latvia;
- UNESCO support to the project of the National Library of Latvia.
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UN FORUM ON FORESTS |
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UN Forum on Forests, UNFF
UNFF headquarters are situated in New York. |
Co-operation partners: |
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UNFF was established by ECOSOC resolution in 2000 to promote management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and strengthen the long-term political commitment in the implementation of Rio Declaration. |
Every UN member state is also UNFF member. For the time being Latvia does not have its own contact point, nevertheless co-operation is being carried out through the Ministry of Agriculture. |
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UN POPULATION FUND |
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The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA
UNFPA headquarters are situated in New York. |
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UNFPA purpose is to tackle the development problems of population with a particular emphasis on improvement of reproductive health, family planning and policy issues, thus promoting a sustainable development.
UNFPA was established in 1969. Every year UNFPA provides support in the amount of 250 million dollars. |
The activities supported by UNFPA in Latvia focus on the promotion of reproductive and sexual health of youth, including prevention of HIV/AIDS among young people.
UNFPA started to work in Latvia in 1995.
Prior to the establishment of the Ministry of Health, the co-operation with UNFPA was co-ordinated by the Ministry of Welfare.
Latvia makes financial contributions to UNFPA to sustain its activities. |
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OFFICE OF UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES |
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The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
UNHCR headquarters are situated in Geneva. |
Co-operation partners: |
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UNHCR mandate is to lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and long-term resolution of refugee problems.
The Office was established in 1950. At the moment UNHCR works in 121 countries, has 281 offices and co-operates with nearly 600 NGOs trying to help more than 20 million refugees throughout the world. |
The Baltic States are into the focus of UNHCR since 1991 when the Regional Office for the Nordic Countries in Stockholm included Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in its operations. UNHCR Office for the Baltic States in Latvia was opened in October 1998 and worked till 31 March 2002 when all the Baltic States had passed the laws and regulatory enactments required to introduce the Convention Relating to the Status of the Refugees of 1951, established the institutions for examination of the asylum applications and accumulated practical experience in working with asylum issues.
As of 1 January 2004 there is one UNHCR programme co-ordinator working in Lithuania who continues to provide support to the government of Lithuania and NGOs. Latvia and Estonia receive assistance from UNHCR Regional Office for the Nordic and Baltic countries in Stockholm.
There is a co-operation agreement concluded about provision of legal and social assistance to refugees in Latvia. |
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OFFICE OF UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS |
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Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (UNHCHR)
UNHCHR headquarters are situated in Geneva. |
Co-operation partners: |
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The post of High Commissioner for Human Rights was established in 1993. The High Commissioner is the principal United Nations official responsible for United Nations human rights activities. The mandate of the Commissioner is to promote and protect civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.
UNHCHR works in accordance with UN Charter, Universal Human Rights Declaration and other instruments for protection of the human rights, including Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. One of the tasks of UNHCHR is to promote the global ratification of the international conventions and agreements on human rights.
However, UNHCR is one of the topical issues in the UN reform agenda, which need to be provided with greater mandate, capacity, efficiency. |
Latvia started to co-operate with UNHCHR in 1991. At the moment Latvia has ratified 7 conventions, but few conventions are still to be ratified. |
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UN CHILDREN'S FUND |
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The United Nations Children's Fund, (UNICEF)
UNICEF headquarters are situated in New York.
UNICEF Latvian National Committee - Pils iela 21, Riga, +371 7503693, unicef@undp.riga.lv |
Co-operation partners in Latvia: |
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UNICEF was established in 1946 and now operates in 161 countries. The special mandate of UNICEF is protection of children and promotion of their development throughout the world by ensuring that children can exercise their rights and opportunities. The activities of UNICEF are based on the Convention of Rights of Child that is ratified by nearly all countries of the world. |
To improve the condition of children in Latvia, UNICEF initiative on the establishment of the national action plans was followed. In 2003 in co-operation with various institutions protecting the rights of children in Latvia the guidelines "Latvia Friendly to Children" were prepared. The aims of the guidelines are to: - promote healthy life style;
- fight HIV/AIDS;
- provide good quality education;
- protect against exploitation, violence and discrimination.
UNICEF Latvian National Committee co-operates with the Ministry for Children and Family Affairs by:
1) providing assistance in the drafting of the guidelines "Latvia Friendly to Children";
2) supporting the translation and adaptation of the UN Manual for Implementing of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to the local circumstances;
3) promoting research on attitudes and behaviours vis-à-vis marriage, child birth and positive relations among parents and their children;
4) supporting study visits in the field of child's rights and participation of the ministry in important international conferences.
UNICEF Latvian National Committee co-operates closely with the Division for Protection of Child's Rights of the Latvian National Human Rights Office (LNHRO) established in 2003. The representatives of LNHRO are attracted to various projects directly related to child's rights in the capacity of experts. UNICEF covers the expenses of LNHRO representatives related to participation in the meetings of the European Network of Ombudsmen for Children. |
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UN OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME |
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United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
UNODC headquarters are situated in Vienna. |
Co-operation partners: |
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UNODC was established in 1997. Historically UNODC grew out of the UN Drug Control Programme. In the course of time UNODC took over also the issues related to organized crime, trafficking in humans, money laundering, terrorism, corruption, etc. Currently most of the work concentrates on two UN programmes – Drug Control Programme and Programme Against Organized Crime on the basis of which two ECOSOC commissions were established: Commission on Narcotic Drugs and Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
UNODC work is pursued in three directions: - research and analytical work on drug and crime issues that would help fighting these problems efficiently,
- normative work by helping the countries to introduce the international conventions and other instruments to prevent drugs and crime,
- field-based technical co-operation and assistance projects to enhance the capacity of the member states to counteract illicit drugs and crime.
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On behalf of Latvia co-operation with UNODC is carried out by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Latvia to UN in Vienna and Ministry of Interior.
In Latvia the UN Drug Control Programme started to work in 1994. UNDP Country Office in Latvia co-ordinated the programme.
Latvia has joined the following UN conventions: - Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961). The list includes more than 116 narcotic drugs;
- Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971) that governs 105 substances;
- Convention against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988). The Convention focuses on the preventing of the laundering of money obtained from illicit traffic in drugs;
- The Convention against Trans-national Organized Crime and three protocols thereof;
- a.o. conventions, protocols (regarding terrorism, crime, etc.).
Also the UN Convention against Corruption is UNODC competence. Latvia signed the Convention against Corruption on 19 May 2005. The Convention took effect on 14 December 2005. Currently 133 countries have signed the Convention against Corruption, but 32 countries have ratified it. |
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UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION |
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Universal Postal Union (UPU)
UPU headquarters are situated in Bern. |
Co-operation partners: |
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The so-called Treaty of Bern that was accepted by 22 states established UPU in 1874. The Treaty of Bern took effect on 1 July 1875. In 1948 UPU was transformed into a specialised UN agency.
UPU forms an interconnected postal territory for co-operation of the countries in postal consignments correspondence. UPU tasks include: guaranteeing of safety of the postal services and improvement of their quality, development and implementation of the technical innovations in the postal sector of its member states, promotion of international postal co-operation. Every UPU member state must treat the postal consignments of the other member state in the best possible way.
At the moment UPU unites 190 members. |
Latvia is a member state of UPU since 1921 (until 1940); the status of member state was renewed on 17 June 1992.
Latvia has joined 8 UPU conventions.
Latvia participates in various UPU events, including the joint meeting of UPU and European Committee for Postal Regulation, Universal Postal Congress and others.
The Public Utilities Commission co-operates with the International Bureau of UPU. |
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WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION |
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World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
WIPO headquarters are situated in Geneva. |
Co-operation partners: |
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WIPO was established in 1970. The fundamental aim of WIPO is to promote the usage of the mental, creative works of people and protection of such works which being the intellectual property extend beyond science and technology, including also art. The intellectual property is divided in two categories: - industrial property – inventions, trade marks, industrial designs, geographical indications;
- copyright and related rights – mainly refer to the authors, performers and producers of literary, musical, artistic, photographic and audiovisual works.
WIPO administers 23 international agreements (15 on industrial property, 7 – copyright, plus the Convention Establishing WIPO that governs various aspects of the intellectual property). At the moment WIPO has 183 member states. |
On 21 January 1993 the Republic of Latvia joined the Convention Establishing WIPO.
The Patent Office works in the following committees of WIPO: - Co-ordination Committee,
- Executive committee,
- Standing Committee on the Law of Patents,
- Standing Committee on the Law of Trademarks, Industrial Design and Geographical Indications,
- Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore,
- Programme and Budget Committee,
- Standing Committee on Information Technologies.
The Patent Office also participates in the activities of the Committee on Reform of the Patent Co-operation Treaty Union - Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT).
The General Assembly of 2004 (26 Sept -5 Oct) elected Mr. Zigrīds Aumeisters – the Director of the Patent Office – co-chairman of Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
The Copyright and Related Rights Division of the Ministry of Culture: - is involved in the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights;
- follows other activities, for example, the work done by Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore.
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WORLD BANK GROUP |
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World Bank Group
The headquarters of the World Bank Group are situated in Washington.
World Bank Office in Latvia - Smilšu iela 8, Riga, LatviaOffice@worldbank.org |
Co-operation partners:
More information |
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The World Bank (WB) is the largest financial and knowledge resource for the transition and developing countries. By making use of its financial resources, experts and experience WB helps the developing countries to reduce poverty, promote economic growth and improve quality of life.
WB consists of 5 different institutions that together make up the World Bank Group:
1. International Reconstruction and Development Bank (IBRD),
2. International Development Association (IDA),
3. International Finance Corporation (IFC),
4. Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA),
5. International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). |
Latvia joined the World Bank, IBRD and IDA in 1992, but IFC, MIGA and ICSID in 1993, 1998 and 1997 respectively.
WB action programme in Latvia was based on the Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for 2002 – 2005. The aims of WB lending programme were to foster the development of the private sector, improve the public sector management, strengthen the municipal institutions, finance the development of the human resources and establish an effective social welfare system. Latvia received the financial and technical assistance from two institutions of WB Group – IBRD and IFC.
In Latvia WB has supported 19 projects for the total amount of 394 million US dollars. The financed projects embrace the fields of education, health, municipal infrastructure and services, agricultural finances and rural development, heating services, household waste management, reinforcement of the taxation system and structural reforms.
By decree of the government of the Republic of Latvia the minister for Finance has been appointed to a post of governor in the Board of Governors of the WB Group institutions. The minister for economy is a substitute governor.
Each autumn, the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) hold their Annual Meetings. The Annual Meetings traditionally are held in two years out of three.
In addition to the meetings of the Boards of Governors, each spring, the joint World Bank-IMF Development Committee and the IMF's International Monetary and Financial Committee are officially convened. |
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WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME |
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World Food Programme, WFP
The headquarters of WFP are situated in Rome. |
Cooperation partners: |
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WFP was established in 1963. WFP is the largest food programme in the world that provides 3 million tons of food to hungry people in more than 80 countries every year. |
Latvia participates in WFP through EU EuropeAid Programme that provides assistance (mainly with food) to the third countries. |
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WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION |
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World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO headquarters are situated in Geneva.
WHO Liaison Officer in Latvia - Ms. Aiga Rūrāne. |
Co-operation partners: |
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WHO was established in 1948. The organization unites all the countries of the world. The purpose of WHO is to implement various programmes aimed at the improvement of the overall health indicators in the world, reduction of the mortality rate, promotion of healthy lifestyle, development of health policy systems.
WHO Regional Office for Europe (in Copenhagen) helps the member states in transition to improve health of the population in order to reduce the gap between the population in Western Europe and Eastern Europe.
At the moment the major co-operation priorities are: - development of the public health policy;
- health care reforms;
- control of infectious diseases;
- chronic diseases, prevention of diseases and promotion of health;
- environmental health;
- health care of mother and child.
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Latvia became a WHO member state in 1991.
The purpose of WHO is to provide assistance to Latvia in the period of transition by promoting the development and implementation of the public health policy that is focused on improvement of health of the population.
The co-operation of Latvia and WHO is based on the European Regional public health priorities defined in the forums of the member states' health ministers.
WHO main operational directions in Latvia: - European Network of Health Promoting Schools;
- Environmental Health Action Plan;
- Health promotion work in the municipalities and hospitals;
- European Public Health Information Network;
- Baby-friendly hospital initiative;
- Prevention of chronic diseases;
- Network of European Health Care Reforms;
- Tobacco free, alcohol-free initiative;
- Reproductive health;
- Education of nurses and midwives;
- Surveillance of infectious diseases;
- Mental health;
- Development of food policy.
Since 1991 there is WHO Information and Documentation Centre opened in the library of Riga Stradins University. WHO works in co-operation with the governments of the countries. The leading co-operation partner of WHO in Latvia is the Ministry of Health. WHO Country Office in Latvia functions as a direct link between WHO Regional Office for Europe and Latvia.
In autumn 2004 WHO Co-operation Centre for Research on Multi-resistant Tuberculosis was opened in the Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Centre. The opening of the centre is the first input of Latvia into the development co-operation by providing support to the specialists of other countries.
The co-operation competence of the Ministry of Welfare covers the rights of the elderly and disabled persons.
AIDS Prevention Centre represents the Republic of Latvia in WHO. |
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WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION |
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World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
WMO headquarters are situated in Geneva. |
Co-operation partners: |
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WMO was established in 1951. Now it unites 187 countries. WMO is the most respectable provider of expertise and information on weather conditions, climate, hydrology, global water resources, a.o related issues, thus preventing various hazards to human safety and welfare all over the world. The mission of WMO is to facilitate the world-wide co-operation in meteorology, synchronise the meteorological and hydrological observations and methods and technologies deployed for these purposes that is of utmost importance in the preparation of weather forecasts, warnings about spontaneous and dangerous natural phenomena and monitoring the climate change. |
The state has authorised HMAL to represent Latvia in WMO and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as well as other international bodies in the fields of meteorology, hydrology, air quality and impact assessment of these factors on the ecosystems.
In July 2004 the Director of the Hydro Meteorological Agency of Latvia (HMAL) – Mr. Andris Leitass was elected the Vice-president of the Regional Association VI (Europe) of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). The leading Western European, Scandinavian and many other countries of the region supported the nomination of Mr. Leitass. |
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UN WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION |
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UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
UNWTO headquarters of the World Tourism Organization are situated in Madrid. |
Co-operation partners: |
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UNWTO was established in 1975. It is the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and practical source of tourism know-how. In 2004 the UNWTO membership comprised 144 members (countries of the world), 7 associate members (territories) and more than 350 affiliate members representing the private sector, tourism associations, educational and research institutions and local tourism authorities.
The tasks of UNWTO are to promote the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, with the aim of contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity and universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms. The promotion of tourism stimulates the economic development, creation of jobs, safeguarding of the cultural and historic heritage and intercultural understanding. |
In October 2003 Latvia was admitted to the UNWTO and became a full-fledged member on 1 January 2005.
The law about UNWTO Statutes determines the co-operation of the Ministry of Economy with UNWTO. |
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WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION |
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World Trade Organization (WTO)
WTO headquarters are situated in Geneva. |
Co-operation partners: |
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WTO was founded in 1995. It is the only international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. WTO goal is to help the producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business in line with the international regulations and norms. WTO is not a specialized agency of UN, but it has concluded a co-operation agreement with UN.
The fundamental principles of WTO are: non-discrimination, free trade, promotion of competitiveness, anti-protectionism, special support measures for less developed countries.
At the moment WTO administers around 60 agreements and regulations that govern international business and trade policy.
WTO is a forum for trade negotiations, settlement of trade disputes, monitoring of the national trade policies, provision of technical assistance to less developed countries, co-operation with the international organisations.
148 countries have joined WTO. |
On 10 February 1999 Latvia became a member state of WTO.
On 31 March 1999 the Consultative Council for participation of Latvia in WTO was established in accordance with Article 2 of the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No 45 "Procedure for Participation of Latvia in WTO". The Council includes representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Welfare, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Bank of Latvia and Financial and Capital Market Commission. The main functions of the Consultative Council are to examine the proposals of the members of the council regarding participation mode of Latvia in WTO, delegate to the respective ministries the preparation of the draft position of Latvia and submit the position for approval to the Cabinet of Ministers as well as review other WTO related issues.
Upon accession to the European Union (EU), the European Commission (EC) will represent Latvia in WTO. EU is represented in WTO in accordance with the following principle: 1 spokesperson (EC) and 15 votes (after EU enlargement – 25 votes). Being EU member state Latvia will keep the possibility of having a permanent representation at WTO as regards technical assistance issues and compilation of WTO budget as these issues are within the competence of EU member states. |
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UN COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW |
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UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)
UNCITRAL headquarters are situated in Vienna. |
Co-operation partners: |
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UNCITRAL is a commission established by UN General Assembly in 1966 that deals with progressive harmonization and unification of the law of international trade. The commission prepares draft conventions that are later approved at the UN General Assembly. UNCITRAL comprises 6 working groups on various trade issues. The commission is composed of sixty member states elected by the General Assembly (members of the commission are elected for terms of six years, the terms of half the members expiring every three years) ensuring representation of the of the world's various geographic regions. At the moment Lithuania is represented in the commission the nearest elections being scheduled for 2007. |
Currently Latvia is not represented in UNCITRAL, but participates in some working groups as observer. UNCITRAL is organised in various working groups that elaborate conventions for certain issues of international trade (e-commerce, transport, arbitration, a.o.). |
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UN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION |
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UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
UNIDO headquarters are situated in Vienna. |
Co-operation partners: - Permanent Mission of the Republic of Latvia to UN in Vienna.
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UNIDO aim is to improve the living conditions of people and global welfare by providing adequate solutions to the developing and transition economies for sustainable industrial development.
UNIDO comprises 171 member states. |
For the time being Latvia has not joined UNIDO, but participates in the most important UNIDO meetings in the capacity of observer.
Latvia and Estonia are the only EU member states that have not become UNIDO members. |
