For What Merits the Government of Latvia Plans to Award Another 37 Individuals and Organizations

In Latvia, it is planned to award Honorary Certificates from the Cabinet of Ministers to another 37 individuals, institutions, and organizations. This is evidenced by information published on the portal of regulatory projects, reports the LETA agency. The awards are intended to recognize outstanding achievements in various fields, including science, education, culture, public administration, and community activities. ## For the Development of Science and Education Among the candidates for the award is the acting associate professor of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Latvia, Doctor of Theology Juris Cālītis. He is planned to be recognized for his long-standing contribution to the development of theological education in Latvia, enriching the Latvian language and culture, as well as significant community activities. His work in strengthening the values of human dignity, responsibility, and solidarity is particularly emphasized. An Honorary Certificate is also proposed to be awarded to Andris Ambainis — a tenured professor at the Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technologies at the University of Latvia, Doctor of Computer Science, and leading researcher. The basis for the award is his outstanding achievements in the development of quantum informatics and his contribution to the international recognition of Latvian science. ## Awards for Public Service and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Among the candidates is also Māris Balodis, the Director General of the Food and Veterinary Service (PVS). He is planned to be awarded for his contribution to strengthening the state system of food safety and veterinary supervision. Additionally, an Honorary Certificate is proposed to be awarded to the team of the National Library of Latvia, which organized a series of events "500 Years of the Latvian Book." This project is dedicated to the five-hundred-year history of the Latvian book and its significance for national culture. A total of 37 individuals, institutions, and organizations are planned to be awarded in the draft decision. The full list of candidates is not provided in the agency's message. ## For What the Honorary Certificate of the Cabinet of Ministers is Awarded in Latvia The Honorary Certificate of the Cabinet of Ministers is a form of official recognition of merits before the state. It can be awarded to individuals, including foreign citizens, for outstanding achievements in the national economy, science, education, healthcare, environmental protection, public administration, culture, sports, and national defense. The award is presented by the Prime Minister or the minister of the relevant sector. The solemn award ceremonies are timed to coincide with state holidays — the Day of Restoration of the Independence of the Republic of Latvia on May 4 and the Day of Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia on November 18. Currently, this concerns planned awards: the relevant information has been published on the portal of regulatory projects.