Who are Global Estonians? The simple answer is all Estonians living abroad AND in Estonia.
What is Global Estonia? The simple answer is a work in progress.
In 1994, Walter Rand wrote, “Valdav osa eestlastest elavad meie ajaloolisel kodumaal. Talle lisanduvad aga tuhanded paigad maailmas, kus leidub eesti kodusid, luuakse eesti organisatsioone ja elatakse eesti elui. Tervikuna oleme globaalse ulatusega…Nimetan meie püsimist ja jätkumist sellises ühiskonnas globaalseks eestluseks.” (The majority of Estonians live in our historic homeland. However, thousands live in places around the world, where they create Estonian homes and develop Estonian organizations, and where Estonian life is lived. I refer to our survival and the sustainability of such a society as Global Estonia.” President Lennart Meri famously said, “Eestlus peab olema kui globaalne küla”.
One thing is clear. The development and improvement of deep and lasting ties between Estonia and the diaspora is critical to the growth of both Estonia and our communities abroad. Since Russia’s occupation of Crimea and its war on Ukraine, it has also become a serious national security issue.
How Global Estonia?
The simple answer is ongoing networking and communication, as well as a commitment to moving forward and embracing new ideas and necessary change.
In the fall of 2017, at its annual general meeting, the Estonian Central Council in Canada (EKN) passed a resolution to better engage the 200,000 Estonians living abroad by establishing official representation in the Estonian government and parliament. This resolution was adopted by the Estonian World Congress at its AGM in Tallinn, the following spring.
Since then, much has been accomplished together with four different Estonian governments.
EKN has continued to push the envelope by building relationships and introducing new ideas through its work with various ministries and parliament, as well as permanent ambassador for Global Estonians, Marin Mõttus. There has been an official government program for Global Estonians (Üleilmse eestluse tegevuskava), since January 2022.
Through membership on the Global Estonian Advisory Board, and regular contact with Estonian government and parliament representatives (virtual and in person), EKN is serving as a conduit for providing community feedback to the Estonian government. This is being done through virtual and hybrid organization conferences, feedback from members of EKN council, surveys, as well as group and individual discussions. EKN continues to encourage Estonian Canadian organizations to communicate changing needs and challenges, so that our community can be better served in the future.
During the last week of May, members of EKN, its Swedish and Finnish counterparts, and Estonian World Youth Council (ÜENV) representatives met with Estonian foreign, education and culture ministers, as well as members of parliament Marko Mihkelson, Eerik-Niiles Kross and Riina Solman.
Key discussion points included:
Foreign minister Margus Tsahkna
- Strategic communication
- Cooperation between diaspora central organizations and Estonian foreign ministry in the context of current national security crisis
- Implementation of the Global Estonian Program (Üleilmse eestluse tegevuskava)
- Increasing opportunities for introduction of the history and work of Estonians abroad
- Organizing ESTO 2025 in Stockholm, Narva and Tallinn immediately prior to the 2025 Estonian Song and Dance Festival
Minister Tsahkna focussed on the importance of working together to ensure that Ukraine wins and Russia loses the war. A new type of Marshall Plan will be needed for reconstruction of Ukraine and Estonia will have a role in the process.
The advancement of business diplomacy is a priority for the Estonian government.
Minister Tsahkna supported the organization of ESTO 2025 in Stockholm, Narva and Tallinn, and suggested organizing a Global Estonia Business Forum as a part of the program.
Education minister Kristina Kallas
- Developing of Estonian language learning resources appropriate to the differing levels of language acquisition of diaspora students
- Organizing ESTO 2025 Stockholm, Narva, Tallinn
Minister Kristina Kallas offered strong support for ESTO 2025 should it be held in Stockholm, Narva and Tallinn immediately prior to the next Estonian Song and Dance Festival.
The European Union has a special fund for the development of Ida-Virumaa and Narva region and organizing a part of ESTO 2025 in Narva would undoubtedly receive positive government support, as integration of this region is a high priority for Estonian national security.
Culture minister Heidy Purga:
- Creating opportunities for introducing the culture and history of Estonians abroad
- Supporting Estonian archives abroad through sharing of specialists and resources
- Esto 2025 in Stockholm, Narva and Tallinn
- Inclusion of the Estonian diaspora in the framework for Estonian 2024 Year of Cultural Diversity
Notably, Minister Purga stated that culture is an integral part of Estonian national security and offered support for organizing the next ESTO 2025 in Stockholm, Narva and Tallinn.
Prior to these meetings, EKN members attended a highly informative session at the Lithuanian parliament (Seim), during Estonian World Congress meetings in Vilnius.
EKN delegates were reassured by the similarities facing the Lithuanian and Estonian diasporas and inspired by new ideas for the future of Global Estonia. More about this and upcoming global Estonian initiatives, including ESTO 2025 next week.
