Return of the Global Estonian Youth Virtual Days!
For the second year in a row, the non-profit Ülemaailmne Eesti Noortevõrgustik 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). Both days feature exciting panel discussions with youth and specialists, which provide inspiration for the discussions among the participants. Participants can ask questions, discuss and express their opinions in order to further develop the topic. In addition, inspiring keynote speeches await on both days. Among others, Marina Kaljurand will talk about how to maintain your Estonianness in different parts of the world, and how young people can contribute to sharing Estonia’s reputation and success story abroad.
"I am sincerely glad that young Estonians around the world are so actively contributing to the preservation and promotion of Estonianness worldwide!", said former Minister of Population Riina Solman in the aftermath of the previous virtual days. "This shows that Estonian identity across borders has gained new strength in the form of younger generations and young Estonians around the world are appreciating their heritage and keeping in touch," she added.
The information of the Virtual Days is constantly being updated and soon all the speakers and panelists will be available, as shared in the 2021 Virtual Days Facebook event. Additional information and registration can be found at: bit.ly/virtuaalpaevad21. All participants who actively participate on both days will be awarded recognition by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Estonian Worldwide Youth Network (ÜENV) is a youth organization founded in 2019, to represent and protect the rights of Estonian youth living abroad, support Estonian youths’ connections with Estonia and unite Estonian youth around the world. It is safe to say that Estonian youth have taken to heart Lennart Meri's noble proclamation: "we are all responsible for our country together and each one separately."
