On Monday, December 9, the government of Latvia congratulated this year’s Cabinet of Ministers Award laureates, and we are honored to be among them! The highest government award has been presented to six outstanding individuals and organizations for their significant contribution to strengthening a democratic state and creating an educated, better and safer society.
The Cabinet of Ministers Award laureates in 2024 are:
- The President of Latvia (from 1999 to 2007) Vaira Vike-Freiberga for her significant contribution to protecting the values of a democratic state governed by the rule of law, strengthening social justice and moral values, as well as building Latvia’s international image, promoting Latvia’s membership in the European Union and NATO.
- The foundation Center Dardedze for its long-term and significant contribution to reducing violence against children, defending the interests of children and raising issues in this area.
- Baiba Rivža, President of the Latvian Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Professor of the Latvian University of Biosciences and Technology, Full Member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Economics with Habilitation – for outstanding achievements in scientific work.
- Andris Vilks, the long-time director of the National Library of Latvia (from 1989 to 2024). He was awarded the Cabinet of Ministers Award for his outstanding contribution to the operation, development and promotion of international recognition of the National Library of Latvia.
- Publishing house “Liels un mazs” for its work in the development of high-quality children’s and youth literature in Latvia.
- General Guntis Pujāts, Chief of the State Border Guard, for his outstanding contribution to Latvia’s national security in difficult geopolitical conditions.
We are truly honored, touched and grateful to be among the six brilliant individuals and organizations that have been awarded the Cabinet of Ministers Award this year. This is a significant recognition for our entire team, who continue to do this not-so-easy work of the heart every day – to educate and support children and the adults close to them, so that violence has no place in their lives. Moreover, it is a special honor to take the stage right after Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, who was also present and cut the ribbon at the opening of “Dardedze” 23 years ago!
The Cabinet of Ministers Award is the highest award of the Latvian government, the next highest award in the country after the Order of the Three Stars. The laureates receive a Cabinet of Ministers Diploma of Honor, a Cabinet of Ministers Award lapel pin and a cash prize of 10,000 euros.
The Cabinet of Ministers Award was established in 1995, after the restoration of Latvia’s independence, symbolically renewing the Fatherland Award, which was established in 1937 by President Kārlis Ulmanis. Proposals for the Cabinet of Ministers Award can be submitted annually by September 15 by both members of the government, local governments and non-governmental organizations, and they are reviewed by the Cabinet of Ministers Award Council.