Virtual forum of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Global Estonians

Dear Estonians all over the world,

You are cordially invited to follow the first virtual forum for Global Estonians. The virtual forum is now available for subsequent viewing.

At the forum, we present the plans and activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Global Estonians and the results of the survey conducted in October. We discuss the most recent focus topics of the Foreign Ministry – cyber diplomacy and business diplomacy – that help boost Estonia’s image in the world, and touch upon the consular services and news concerning Estonians living abroad. Expat Estonians share their views on their cooperation with Estonia. The forum is moderated by journalist Neeme Raud.

The forum is held in Estonian, with interpretation into English and Russian.

LINK TO THE FORUM
Event ID: DIASPORAA2021

Additional information: signe.matteus@mfa.ee

PROGRAMME:
Opening words by Mr Neeme Raud

Welcoming words by Foreign Minister Ms. Eva-Maria Liimets

The Foreign Ministry’s agenda and activities for Global Estonia. 
Which steps is the Foreign Ministry taking to increase the importance of Global Estonians and improve cooperation with Estonians abroad? What are the results of the survey on Global Estonians conducted in October 2020?
– Mr. Erki Kodar, Undersecretary for Legal and Consular Affairs

We will cover the newest focus topics of the Foreign Ministry – cyber diplomacy and business diplomacy – that help boost the image of Estonia as an innovative state worldwide.

What is cyber diplomacy? How did Estonia acquire a reputation as a cyber state and what is being done to maintain that image? An overview of Estonia’s activities and cooperation in cyber diplomacy on the international stage.
– Mrs. Heli Tiirmaa-Klaar, Director General of the Cyber Diplomacy, Department, Estonian Ambassador at Large for Cyber Diplomacy

What is business diplomacy? How do we help open doors for Estonian companies worldwide? How do we plan to boost the growth of Estonia’s economy and raise our prole on foreign markets? What is Estonia’s digital reputation?
Mr. Jüri Seilenthal, Director General of the External Economic and Development Cooperation Department

What are our plans for making consular services more convenient, to make them more aligned with our image as a digital state,
and which innovations are planned for the provision of consular services to Estonians abroad in the near future?
– Mrs. Tiina Nirk, Director General of the Consular Department

We give the floor to Estonians living abroad
Ms. Ellen Valter, a lawyer living in Canada, talks about the innovative and dynamic Keskus/International Estonian Centre planned to be opened in downtown Toronto, where Estonians of different generations could meet and celebrate important events, share Estonian culture and Estonia’s achievements with each other and the world. Ellen Valter was awarded the Order of Merit of the White Star, Fourth Class by the President of Estonia.

Ms. Hille Hanso, a political scientist and journalist living in Turkey, shares her thoughts on what cooperation with the state could entail and how Estonians living abroad could contribute to the success of Estonia. In 2020, Hille Hanso was recognised by the Foreign Ministry for citizen diplomacy for her contribution to developing Estonian-Turkish relations.

Q & A

Final words by Mr. Neeme Raud

INVITATION 13.04.2021 virtual forum