Uldis Bluķis, a prominent Latvian scientist and one of the founders of the organization 'Baltic Appeal to the United Nations', passed away on February 20 in New York at the age of 93. His contributions towards the restoration of Latvia's independence and the establishment of international relations were significant, as highlighted by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bluķis is remembered not only for his scientific achievements but also for his role in advising and mentoring younger colleagues at the Latvian permanent mission to the UN in New York shortly after Latvia regained its independence.

Born on February 19, 1933, in Jelgava, Bluķis fled to Germany with his family in 1944 and later immigrated to the United States in 1951. He completed his education at the University of Illinois, obtaining a degree in chemistry, before earning a doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. After his academic career, he held the position of emeritus professor at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, where he taught chemistry, the history of science, and general science until 1991.

From 1966 to 1991, Bluķis was actively involved in the Baltic Appeal to the United Nations, advocating for the rights and recognition of the Baltic states in the international community. His life and work symbolize the impressive resilience and dedication of the Latvian diaspora in promoting their homeland's values and identity on a global stage. Bluķis's legacy continues through those he inspired and mentored throughout his distinguished career.