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“Knowledge attained through a high-quality education process is a key that opens ever new doors; it is a treasure that no one can take away from us. Educated people pave the way to Latvia’s success,” pointed out Solvita Ābotiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, when addressing the academic staff, students and alumni of the Riga Technical University (RTU) at the ceremonial sitting in honour of the university’s 150^th anniversary.

In her address, Āboltiņa stressed that the RTU is a reliable and long-standing partner in striving for a common goal: “In order for us to be able to continue our development, we must encourage youths to study technology and technical sciences. Latvia’s economy needs excellent technical minds, and the Riga Technical University – the only multi-discipline technical university in Latvia – has contributed greatly to the preparation of young professionals.”

The Speaker of the Saeima emphasised that we can still see the heritage left by graduates of the former Riga Polytechnicum. “Architects prepared by this school have shaped and are still shaping the faces of Riga and other Latvian cities, thus marking the signs of their era. I especially want to mention one graduate of this university – the esteemed architect Eižens Laube, who designed the present main building of the Saeima,” Āboltiņa said.

Āboltiņa also expressed gratification that in more recent times the Faculty of Architecture of the RTU has prepared many Latvian architects who have received international recognition and are brilliantly representing Latvia to the world. Graduates of the faculties of Civil Engineering, Energy, and Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, as well as others with their scientific and professional achievements are also contributing to Latvia’s growth, the Speaker of the Saeima said.

“Latvian poet and politician Kārlis Skalbe once said: ‘Our nation once had a great instinctive urge to foster intellectuals and spiritual leaders. This urge was correct. A nation without intellectuals of its own is doomed to serfdom. This urge for higher education was an urge for self-determination and freedom,’” Āboltiņa said in characterising the time when the Riga Polytechnicum was founded. “In marking this anniversary, these words have a special meaning and power because for a small nation and country that does not have vast amounts of land or natural resources, knowledge is the most valuable resource for achieving the same quality of life as in developed countries,” noted the Speaker of the Saeima.

In congratulating the RTU on its 150^th anniversary, Āboltiņa expressed special appreciation to the academic staff of the university who have devoted their time and energy to prepare young specialists and have shared advice that cannot be found in academic theory or practice. “I am certain that your knowledge and experience have inspired many students,” stressed the Speaker of the Saeima. Āboltiņa exhorted the students not to rest on their laurels but rather to work persistently and confidently towards their goals.

“From the bottom of my heart, I wish your university success in the future so that the name of the Riga Technical University will continue to resound throughout Latvia and the world!” the Speaker of the Saeima congratulated the academic staff, students and alumni of the university on its important anniversary.

Saeima Press Service