19 March 2025, New York, USA – The Riga TechGirls Workshop: Design Thinking & Innovation for Societal Change convened at the Permanent Mission of Latvia to the United Nations, bringing together experts and practitioners to explore the role of design thinking in diplomacy and global problem-solving.
UNITAR
The event, organized by the Latvian Mission to the UN, featured remarks from H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Latvia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, who welcomed participants and emphasized Latvia’s commitment to fostering innovation in international affairs.
UNITAR
Amy Tianyi Zhao, Project Lead & Office Manager at UNITAR’s New York Office, delivered a keynote address highlighting UNITAR’s role in bridging the UN’s resources with member states. She thanked Latvia for its active participation in UNITAR’s training programmes and underscored the importance of integrating design thinking into diplomatic efforts.
UNITAR’s Nyle Pierre shared insights on design thinking’s role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), drawing from his experience in Somaliland and the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). He emphasized how structured problem-solving frameworks help field practitioners develop effective, human-centered solutions.
UNITAR
The workshop’s interactive sessions provided hands-on experience in design thinking, with exercises led by Riga TechGirls. Participants engaged in collaborative problem-solving challenges, applying creative methodologies to real-world diplomatic challenges.
As digital transformation reshapes international relations, the workshop underscored design thinking’s potential to enhance diplomatic strategies, ensuring they remain adaptive, inclusive, and impactful in an evolving global landscape.
About Riga TechGirls
Riga TechGirls is Latvia’s first community dedicated to empowering women in technology through education, mentorship, and training programmes. Website: https://rigatechgirls.com/