Today 26 November, or Citizen’s Day, the Foreign Ministry presents letters of appreciation to citizen diplomats and NGOs for their significant contribution to advancing Estonian language, culture and business in the world.
This year, the letter of appreciation is among others given to folk dance group Iiris for promoting Estonian cultural identity and Estonian folk culture in Ireland.
“Today, we would like to thank citizen diplomats across the world – the people who have made it their mission to preserve Estonian cultural identity and raise Estonia’s profile. For a small country, the contribution of citizen diplomats is crucial – together we are increasing Estonia’s size on the world map,” Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said.
Estonian Embassy in Dublin congratulates folk dance group Iiris that has been active for nine years, promoting Estonian culture in Ireland and delighting local Estonians and friends of Estonia with their dance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is issuing letters of appreciation for citizen diplomacy on Citizen’s Day for the eleventh time this year. The letter is presented to individuals or non-governmental organisations who have made long and notable efforts to preserve Estonian language, culture and spirit, or promoted Estonia’s business environment, digital society and business culture, thus contributing to enhancing Estonia’s profile in their country of residence on a voluntary basis.
The Citizen’s Day is celebrated on 26 November because on this day in 1918, the Estonian Provincial Assembly issued its first regulation on Estonian citizenship. The aim of the Citizen’s Day is to raise awareness about the status of a citizen and increase civic pride.
The list of all receivers on letters of appreciation is available on the MFA webpage.