The 10th edition of the Global Estonian virtual forum was broadcast on Friday, 5 December, filmed at Theatrum in Tallinn’s Old Town and hosted by journalist Neeme Raud.
The forum in Estonian, with English translation.
The forum in Estonian, without English translation.
The long-running programme brought together Estonians and Estonia-minded audiences abroad to discuss how communities remain connected, how they engage with Estonia’s democracy, and what role they can play in a markedly more tense security environment.
The broadcast opened with young Estonians living abroad, who spoke about their current work and what life looks like beyond Estonia. The cameras then moved to New York City, where Merike Barborak introduced the short film Class 2010 and reflected on documentary projects created by Estonian and American youth at the New York Estonian House.
The focus then shifted to politics and civic participation, with a discussion on Estonians abroad and elections. Later in the programme, the video link moved to Australia to introduce HEIA – Hello Estonians in Australia, a relatively new initiative designed to connect Estonians there.
In the second half, the forum examined how Estonian communities communicate today – through newspapers, social media and podcasts – before cutting to Singapore, where Siim Säinas joined via video link. The evening concluded with a panel on Estonian diplomacy and Estonians worldwide, asking how cooperation can be strengthened in a rapidly changing security landscape.
Participants included Marko Mihkelson, Karl Altau, Marcus Kolga, Kaisa Kasekamp, Lasse Leminsky, Halliki Kreinin, Renee Meriste, Kristel Alla, Kristi Barrow and Estonian World’s founder, Silver Tambur. The programme also featured musical performances by Maria Peterson and Eva Eensaar-Tootsen of Theatrum.
