Global Estonian Report: June 2-9

Between 165,000 and 200,000 Estonians are estimated to live outside the country right now, making around 15-20 percent of the total number of Estonians. With many communities being found worldwide, both in English-speaking countries and beyond, ERR News, in conjunction with the Integration Foundation (Integratsiooni Sihtasutus), has launched a weekly Global Estonian Report, which will give a weekly window into Estonian communities and culture from around the globe.
Estonia will hold the presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time in June
Estonia will hold the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time in June. This gives Estonia the opportunity to lead the Security Council's discussions "in a preferred direction on topics that are important to us. In addition, we are ready to respond operational to crises worldwide. Also, the process of electing the UN Secretary-General remains in our Presidency."
Global Estonian Youth Virtual Days start on June 5th
For the second year in a row, the non-profit Ülemaailmne Eesti Noortevõrgustik (Estonian Worldwide Youth Network) is organizing the 2021 Global Estonian Youth Virtual Days via Zoom! On two consecutive Saturdays—June 5 and June 12 young people with Estonian roots will gather to reflect on Estonian identity across borders.
The aim of the virtual days is to unite Estonians between the ages of 14 and 35 across the world by providing a platform for discussion about our Estonian identity. It is an opportunity to keep in touch with our Estonian roots and get to know other Estonians regardless of their location. Last year's Virtual Days clearly showed that this is an exceptional opportunity to be in a common virtual space with almost 100 Estonian young people from more than 20 different countries!
This year's main topics are moving to Estonia and returning to Estonia (June 5) and language learning (June 12).
Registration for free Estonian language courses will start on June 3rd
The Integration Foundation provides summer language training for the first time this summer. Registration for the free A1-B2 level Estonian language summer courses will open in the morning of June 3 on the website www.integratsioon.ee. Adults above 18 years of age can register for the courses, using an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID.
"This year we will hold Estonian summer language courses for the first time. Over the last year, due to exceptional circumstances, we were only able to organize online language learning. Now we can provide contact training in a free summertime atmosphere to all those who have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time," said Jana Tondi, Head of Language Learning at the Integration Foundation.
Registration is open for Estonian e-courses at the Global School
The Global School of the Association of Education in Estonian provides Estonian children living outside Estonia with the opportunity to take e-courses, and is in charge of developing e-basic school (lower-secondary education).
Join the Global Estonian Business Network
The Global Estonian Business Network brings together business-focused Estonians around the world who can support each other in their global business endeavours and who have an interest in contributing with their professional skills and knowledge to the success of Estonian exports and the Estonian economy.
The Global Estonian Business Network is an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Public Sector Innovation Team.
New podcast in English launched - Tallinn Talks
Tallinn Talks is a new podcast series brought to you through the cooperation of the Tallinn City Centre Government, the City Centre New Arrivals Council and the City of Tallinn as part of the Tallinn City Centre for New Arrivals project.
This podcast series aims to connect with Tallinn city residents who may have moved here from abroad in the last few days, weeks, months or years, and provide news, insights and information about what's going on in the city, in English, every month.
Global Estonian artists: send in your artwork for the Kalevipoeg Art Contest
EKKT (the Society of Estonian Artists in Toronto) is inviting Estonians around the world to submit your art for the 2021 Kalevipoeg Art Contest, with prizes and other exciting prospects in store for the winners (adult and children's categories) of the competition.
Kalevipoeg (Son of Kalev) is an Estonian epic poem written by Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald in 1853. The purpose of this contest is to re-introduce this national Estonian epic poem to today's younger generation. The deadline is June 24th.
Listen to the World Estonian View ("Hajala ringvaade") podcast
Vikerraadio's morning program "Hajala ringvaade" (World Estonian View) offers an insight into the lives and experiences of Estonians and Estonian commmunities abroad.
Tune into Vikerraadio on Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) every Sunday morning for "Hajala ringvaade". Host Maarja Merivoo-Parro discusses and talks with Estonians around the world. (in Estonian).
Upcoming Online Events
Estonian Worldwide Youth Network: Virtual Days 2021 (June 5, online)
The Estonian Worldwide Youth Network (Ülemaailmne Eesti Noortevõrgustik or ÜENV) is inviting all active Estonian youth aged 14-35 to participate at the Virtual Days 2021 event.
Estonian Worldwide Youth Network: Virtual Days 2021 (June 12, online)
The Estonian Worldwide Youth Network (Ülemaailmne Eesti Noortevõrgustik or ÜENV) is inviting all active Estonian youth aged 14-35 to participate at the Virtual Days 2021 event.
What is Global Estonian?
Global Estonian is an online portal, in Estonian and English, and network for Estonians and friends of Estonians around the world.
Managed by the Integration Foundation, Global Estonian brings together news, events, culture, organizations, support programs, learning opportunities, and a wealth of other information from Estonian communities abroad, all in one central gateway.
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Editor: Helen Wright