Proud moment! Baiba Rivža, professor at LBTU, among the recipients of the government’s highest award
On December 9, the government congratulated the laureates of the 2024 Cabinet of Ministers Awards. The highest government award was presented to six outstanding individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to strengthening a democratic state and building an educated, better, and safer society. Among the laureates is Baiba Rivža, Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Social Development at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU ESAF), Corresponding Member of Latvian Academy of Sciences, and Doctor of Economics.
On December 9, the government congratulated the laureates of the 2024 Cabinet of Ministers Awards. The highest government award was presented to six outstanding individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to strengthening a democratic state and building an educated, better, and safer society. Among the laureates is Baiba Rivža, Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Social Development at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU ESAF), Corresponding Member of Latvian Academy of Sciences, and Doctor of Economics.
Baiba Rivža, professor, President of the Latvian Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Corresponding Member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, and habilitated doctor of economics, was awarded the Cabinet of Ministers Award for her exceptional achievements in scientific work. The professor has made a significant contribution to transferring research findings from social sciences to Latvian rural entrepreneurship and regional development, as well as through her academic, scientific, and organizational activities, she has promoted the transformation of Latvia’s scientific landscape in line with the progressive and current trends in Europe and the world. Baiba Rivža has also made a significant contribution to developing the scientific potential of the industry, as under her leadership, 26 doctoral dissertations have been developed and defended. She is also the author and co-author of several scientific books on topics relevant to the economy. From 2006 to 2007, Baiba Rivža served as the Minister for Education and Science.
This year, Cabinet of Ministers Awards were also presented to the former President of Latvia (1999–2007) Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, General Guntis Pujāts, Head of the State Border Guard, the "Centrs Dardedze" foundation, the "Liels un mazs" publishing house, and long-time director of the National Library of Latvia (1989–2024), Andris Vilks.
The recipients of the Cabinet of Ministers Award receive the Cabinet of Ministers Honorary Diploma, the Cabinet of Ministers Award lapel badge, and a cash prize of €10,000. The award will be presented in a solemn ceremony during the last week of November.
The Cabinet of Ministers Award was established in 1995, after the restoration of Latvia's independence, symbolically reinstating the Homeland Award, which was created by President Kārlis Ulmanis in 1937. Proposals for the Cabinet of Ministers Award can be submitted each year until September 15 by government members, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations, and they are reviewed by the Cabinet of Ministers’ Awards Committee. The Cabinet of Ministers Award is the highest state award of the Latvian government, ranking just below the Order of the Three Stars.
Photo: Gatis Rozenfelds, State Chancellery