Government reviews the 2026–2029 Estonian Diaspora Action Plan
On April 2nd, members of the Government reviewed the new Estonian Diaspora Action Plan for 2026–2029 at a cabinet meeting. This is already the second strategic document since 2021, when responsibility for the field was assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The aim of the action plan is to strengthen ties with the Estonian diaspora and to create more effective opportunities for cooperation with Estonians living abroad.
According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, studying, working and gaining international experience abroad is valuable for Estonians, but it is equally important to maintain and deepen the connection of Estonians living abroad with Estonia.
“Cooperation with Estonians around the world is an increasingly important policy direction,” Foreign Minister Tsahkna stressed. “People who support and value Estonia help shape our country’s positive image, promote our culture, develop economic relations and strengthen international cooperation. Closer communication and partnership create opportunities for their knowledge and skills to contribute to Estonia’s development.”
The overarching message of the action plan is “Be a global citizen, but remain Estonian”, and one of its clearest focuses is on young people, aiming to give them a more in-depth overview of opportunities for self-realisation in Estonia, including the strengths of the education system and labour market prospects. This summer, Estonia will host for the first time the Global Estonian Youth Envoys Summer School, focusing on how the Estonian state functions, foreign and security policy, and offering direct experience of Estonia’s nature and culture. In addition, the action plan continues to support traditional areas that preserve Estonian identity, such as Estonian language learning, community activities and cultural events in Estonian communities abroad.
The action plan was prepared under the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of the Interior, the Integration Foundation and the Institute of the Estonian Language. Estonian communities abroad were also involved. As part of ESTO 2025, a full-day workshop was organised, bringing together representatives of Estonians from around the world, as well as representatives of various public authorities, the private sector and the cultural field.
On 9 April at 12:30, a discussion on the action plan will take place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with participation from experts working on global Estonian issues and young Estonians living abroad, who will share their first-hand experiences.
Members of the press who wish to attend or cover the panel discussion are kindly asked to register their interest by 15:00 on 8 April at press@mfa.ee.
