Egils Levits
Rīgas pils Svētā gara tornis, kurā plīvo Latvijas valsts karogs un Valsts prezidenta standarts

Riga Castle will open its doors for participants of the conference ‘Language is a verb: official language in 21st century Latvia’ on 8 October from 9:00-13:00. Policymakers, academic staff and experts will engage in a discussion about modern, cohesive and goal-oriented official language policy. Keynote speakers include Egils Levits, President of Latvia, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, and Anita Muižniece, Minister for Education and Science.

Experts participating in the conference will engage in three panel discussions focusing on official language strategy for 2021–2027 and relevant policy measures, stronger presence of Latvian in the digital domain and its place in the European language space. Experts will also discuss how language education will be structure in schools in 21st century as schools transition into skills-based learning, and ways of ensuring adequate official and foreign language proficiency, as well as supporting diaspora kids.

As reported earlier, on 16 June 2021, upon the initiative of the President of Latvia Egils Levits, Saeima designated the October 15th the Official Language Day. President of Latvia urges everyone to make the Official Language Day an open platform for promoting the role of Latvian in building a more cohesive society and stronger national identity. This day should serve as a broad reminder of our joint obligation to nurture, use and develop our language.

Conference ‘Language is a verb: official language in 21st century Latvia’ is jointly organized by Presidential Chancery, Saeima and Ministry of Education and Science.