Education and Science, EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Forum, Good for Business, Latvia, Society

The winners received custom-made sculpture “Sprout” designed by artist Olga Silova, an Award certificate and other special prizes by the program partners and sponsors. The U.S. Embassy awarded winners with a grant worth $500 to be put towards the organizations’ future projects. The Civic Alliance of Latvia provided the opportunity for winners to take part in the NGO summer academy. Other special prizes were presented by Citadele Bank, Microsoft Latvia and the Civic Alliance of Latvia.

45 entries were received, from which selected were 12 finalists in four categories:

1. Social Responsibility Award: Raina Boguža of the Association “Musu Lizgda”, Jurmala Protection Association and the Association “Motus Vita”.

2. Outstanding Commitment to Education Award: Maruta Castrova of the Association “Ritineitis”, the Association “Go Beyond” and subsidiary of Tautskola 99 Baltie zirgi „Ikšķiles Brīvā Skola”.

3. Exemplary Contribution to Health and Well-Being Award: The Association “Shelter “Drosa maja””, “Ronald McDonald House Charities Latvija” Care Mobile and Dr. Dace Rezeberga.

4. The Future of Latvia Award: Andris Ceksters, Latvian Foster Family Association and Edvins Samulis.

Sharon Hudson-Dean.

Joining as keynote speakers were Marite Seile, Minister of Education and Science, Sharon Hudson-Dean, Charge D’Affaires U.S. Embassy and Inna Steinbuka, Head of the European Commission Office in Latvia.

Minister Seile reminded that those who really matters are the people: “People are behind numbers and charts measuring national competitiveness. I am certain that a truly successful and competitive country is when values and goals of the country match well with the values and objectives of its citizens.”

She said: “Today I am extremely honored to be among people who contribute their time, knowledge, skills, experience and means to executing very concrete tasks and providing support on a daily basis without seeking recognition.”

U.S. Charge D’Affaires said: “I’m very honored tonight to be a part of this occasion, which clearly confirms that Latvian society highly honors and respects those person who not only selflessly give their time and work but also invest their love for their fellow man hence strengthening the people of Latvian and by extension Latvia itself.

Latvia is, without a doubt, moving in a positive direction, but social and educational reforms, including greater efforts to combat income inequality, would enhance Latvia’s economic prospects and work to discourage emigration. More must be done to fight corruption, improve transparency, and strengthen the judiciary, so that Latvia sees increased growth and stability. 

As we celebrate tonight, we must remember that Latvia’s human development achievements do not come easy, nor are they a guarantee of future success. It takes hard work and dedication, as demonstrated by the honorees tonight. They are fighting for our nations’ shared values, for a better tomorrow, and helping to secure this country’s future.”

Inna Steinbuka, Head of the European Commission Representation Office in Latvia said: “Much is being invested in human development and opportunities for people by the European Union. Programs such as Erasmus Plus, Youth Guarantee and European Social Fund contribute to human development a lot. ”

She added: „Today I would like to congratulate cordially all the nominees and everyone who promotes human development in Latvia because educated and motivated people are our wealth – both in Latvia and in Europe.”

The Award was supported by the European Commission Office in Latvia, Hamid Ladjevardi and family, Abbvie, Microsoft Latvia and Citadele Banka.

AmCham, together with the United States Embassy in Latvia and Civic Alliance of Latvia, organized the Human Development Award program for the second year in a row to honor inspirational people and to recognize the socially responsible practices of Latvian businesses and non-profit organizations. The purpose of the award is to promote human development, prosperity, and the well-being of Latvia’s people.