Latvia Appoints Diaspora Ambassador to Strengthen Global Ties

Riga – Latvia has appointed Zanda Grauze as its Ambassador-at-Large for the Diaspora Group, a role focused on strengthening connections with the estimated 370,000 Latvian nationals living abroad. The appointment, effective August 15, 2024, underscores Latvia’s commitment to engaging its global community and fostering a sense of national identity among those living outside the country.

A Dedicated Role for a Growing Diaspora

The position of Ambassador-at-Large for the Diaspora is unique within Latvia’s diplomatic corps, as it is not tied to a specific country or region. Instead, Grauze will focus on coordinating diaspora policy for 2024-2026, which aims to strengthen national identity and encourage “re-emigration” – the return of Latvians living abroad to their homeland. This initiative is particularly significant given that the Latvian diaspora represents a substantial portion of the country’s total population, which is fewer than 2 million residents. [LSM]

Zanda Grauze: A Career Diplomat

Zanda Grauze brings over 30 years of experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia to her new role. Her extensive background includes positions in the Eastern Europe Department, as Head of the Foreign Minister’s Office, Director of the Consular Department, and Director of the Personnel Department. [MFA Latvia]

Grauze has also served in Latvian diplomatic and consular missions abroad, including postings to the Czech Republic, Lithuania, the European Union, and NATO. She served as Permanent Representative of Latvia to Palestine and, most recently, as Counsellor-Deputy Head of the Permanent Representation of Latvia to UNESCO since 2020. [MFA Latvia], [Lasi.lv]

Focus on Engagement and Return

The appointment of Grauze reflects Latvia’s proactive approach to diaspora engagement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to strengthen ties with Latvians living abroad, encouraging their participation in Latvian society and potentially facilitating their return to contribute to the country’s development. [LSM]