TALLINN – The plenary sessions of the Estonian World Council and Cooperation Commission for Global Estonians were held jointly on April 10 – 11, in Tallinn. The focus of the meetings was the role of the diaspora in strengthening Estonia’s future. Discussions centered on the new Global Estonian Action Plan for 2026 – 2029 and its implementation, as well as the need to view the diaspora as a significant resource in national defense and crisis preparedness. Key topics included defense readiness, strategic communications and international cooperation.
The Estonian World Council presented its vision to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the State Chancellery, and other stakeholders — outlining how the Council, as the only global central organisation of its kind, can serve as a strategic partner to the Estonian state in engaging the diaspora.
“Estonians living abroad are an important part of our national reserve. Their knowledge, connections, and willingness to contribute deserve systematic inclusion in crisis preparedness as well,” said Council Chair Sirle Sööt. “Official statistics do not reflect the true size of the Estonian community abroad. Many native-born Estonian citizens who participate in Estonian diaspora communities haven’t formalized their documents and aren’t included in government statistics.”
By unanimous decision, the Norwegian Estonian Society was admitted as a member of the Council, thereby connecting communities in 12 countries through their central organizations: the United States, Canada, Sweden, Germany, England, Australia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Finland, and Norway.
“The Norwegian Estonian Society’s membership strengthens our network in the Nordic region and gives new momentum to international cooperation,” said Sööt. “The stronger our global cooperation, the better we can stand up for the interests of Estonian communities around the world.”
According to Kadri-Liis Wist, chair of the Norwegian Estonian Society, the organization is now ready for active collaboration after a year with observer status.
Founded in 1954, the Estonian World Council unites and represents Estonians outside Estonia and strengthens ties between the Estonian state, Estonians at home, and the diaspora.
Contact:
Sirle Sööt, Chair
sirle.soot@gmail.com
+46 76 793 53 55