Opening the ceremony, SSE Riga Rector Anders Paalzow congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone. With a smile, he remarked that after the programme's demanding schedule, graduates could now finally be "returned to their families", acknowledging the significant commitment, time and effort that completing an Executive MBA requires.

While receiving the diploma marks the end of the programme, it is often the journey itself that leaves the strongest impression. For this year's graduates, that journey included new friendships, inspiring conversations, study trips, Saturdays spent in SSE Riga hoodies, challenging assignments and many memorable moments shared with classmates.

Several outstanding achievements were recognised during the ceremony.

The Best Diploma Project Award was presented to Signe Nīgale and Laura Kalniņa for their research, AI Readiness in Latvian Companies: How Organizations Plan and Develop Workforce Capabilities in Response to Artificial Intelligence, supervised by Inga Gleizdāne.

The Best International Business Model Project Award was presented to Layth Hamad, Ruslans Zavackis and Irina Kuzmina for their project developed during the Singapore study trip. The award was presented by Sapna Masih-Advani, International Business Module Director.

Special recognition was also given to this year's top academic performers: Signe Nīgale, Aleksis Justs Karlsons, Kaspars Frisfelds, Irina Kuzmina and Noriko Hanamura.

As a farewell gift, the graduates funded a scholarship for the highest-achieving students admitted to the Bachelor's programme beginning in Autumn 2026. An inspiring example of SSE Riga community spirit.

Congratulations to the Executive MBA Class of 2026!

Designed for experienced managers and executives, the SSE Riga Executive MBA is a two-year programme that enables participants to combine their studies with demanding careers. Through an intensive learning journey, international study modules, practical business projects and close collaboration with peers, participants strengthen their leadership capabilities while building lasting professional relationships.