The tapestry “Hope” was created by well-known Latvian artist Edite Paula-Vignere. The tapestry depicts the Freedom Monument, which is a symbol of Latvia’s independence. The monument was built in the capital city, Riga, and the Historic Center of Riga is a UNESCO registered site. Prior to the Second World War, it was built with resources donated by the people of Latvia.

The depicted monument points to Latvian cultural history and honors the soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence (1918 – 1920) and is considered a symbol of freedom, independence, and sovereignty. The Freedom Monument is sometimes referred to as Latvia’s Statue of Liberty.

The Government of the Republic of Latvia gave the tapestry in gratitude to the United Nations for its investment in the resolution of issues important to Latvia and for the UN’s 50th anniversary. 

The gift was unveiled in the Visitor’s lobby on 14 November 1994. The President of Latvia H.E. Guntis Ulmanis presented the gift to Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali who accepted the gift on behalf of the United Nations.