The Rector of Daugavpils University, professor Arvīds Barševskis, took part in the conference “Strategic Communication for a Safer Tomorrow 2024”, organised by the State Chancellery and held in Riga. This ambitious event, dedicated to public sector communication, brought together nearly 400 participants from across Latvia.

During the panel discussion, professor Barševskis highlighted the unique role and mission of Daugavpils University as the institution situated on the easternmost border of the European Union. He emphasised that approximately 80% of DU graduates remain in the Latgale region to pursue their professional careers, thereby significantly contributing to local development. The Rector underscored the importance of decentralising the activities of state institutions, implementing bold and innovative initiatives in Latgale, and encouraging communicators to challenge their own preconceptions in order to improve the clarity and effectiveness of their messages. He also drew attention to the positive practices of the Cita Daugavpils association as a successful example of how to engage with audiences that may otherwise be hard to reach.

Professor Barševskis concluded by stressing the importance of developing effective and context-sensitive approaches to communication with residents of the Latgale region—an effort that is closely tied to broader issues of societal security and resilience. His remarks reaffirmed the strategic importance of Daugavpils University in this critical border area.