Latvia takes the UN Security Council presidency for November

Latvia assumed the UN Security Council’s monthly presidency on 1 November, according to the Latvian foreign ministry’s announcement of 30 October. Riga highlighted respect for international law, support for Ukraine and the security implications of emerging technologies.

For Hungary, diplomacy concerning the war in Ukraine and discussion of technological risks are both relevant. Shaping the agenda is a procedural opportunity, however: establishing a common position still requires support from Council members.

The background page on Latvia’s membership states that its elected term covers 2026–2027. The monthly presidency should therefore be distinguished from the two-year membership: the roles have different time horizons.

For Hungarian readers, the subject and outcome of individual meetings therefore offer more useful guidance than general political expectations surrounding the presidency.

Our earlier article on Quad discussions about supply chains provides context for the intersection of technology and foreign policy. The partnership between the EU and the UN Environment Programme offers another example of multilateral cooperation.

The presidency’s results will be assessable through adopted decisions and documented negotiating outcomes, rather than the length of its priority list. The next specific event in the announced timetable is the election of International Court of Justice judges on 3 November, conducted concurrently in the Security Council and the General Assembly.