President urges pupils to learn friendship and constructive disagreement on Knowledge Day

President Edgars Rinkēvičs issued a greeting on September 1, 2026, marking Knowledge Day, which traditionally marks the start of the new school year in Latvia.

In his address, the president stressed that in the new school year, pupils should learn not only what is written in the curriculum, but also other skills important for life. Rinkēvičs called on young people to learn how to make friends, as well as how to argue wisely — meaning resolving disagreements in a respectful and constructive manner.

Emphasis on social skills

The president's message suggests that education is not just about acquiring facts and academic material. Alongside knowledge learned at school, Rinkēvičs named the ability to build relationships with peers and to resolve conflict situations constructively as important as well.

Knowledge Day is celebrated across Latvia every year, with schools welcoming pupils as they begin the new academic year. Greetings from state officials on this day are traditionally addressed to pupils, teachers and parents alike.

The president's call fits into a broader understanding of the tasks facing modern education, where, alongside academic knowledge, growing importance is placed on developing social and emotional skills and pupils' ability to successfully integrate into society.