A Talk with Estonian Ambassador to the US (on how situation in Ukraine affects Estonia and Baltic security, and more, followed by a Q & A.

An EANC Townhall: What is the Future of ‘ESTO’ festivals

“A TALK with the Ambassador: View from Estonia, and an EANC TOWNHALL: What is the Future of ESTO festivals?”

For Immediate release, May 17, 2023

The Estonian American National Council (EANC) announced this week that Estonian Ambassador to the United States Kristjan Prikk will be featured as the keynote speaker at its virtual forum on Friday, May 19^th, beginning at 8 pm Eastern. The Ambassador’s virtual talk aims to highlight the current situation in Ukraine and how it affects Estonia and Baltic security, as well as give some insight to other pertinent issues in Estonia. Following the talk, Ambassador Prikk will participate in a brief Q & A session to answer questions from the public.

“It is important to get the Ambassador’s perspective on events affecting Estonia, particularly when Ukraine appears ready to launch its spring offensive,” says Council president Marju Rink-Abel. “EANC thanks Ambassador Prikk for his willingness to share his time and thoughts on topics of current interest affecting us all.”

Estonian Americans are encouraged to be actively engaged in the second half of the event: an EANC Townhall to discuss the future of ESTO festivals. As the global Estonian community strives to organize and put on meaningful events and festivals in the ever-evolving Estonian diaspora landscape, the Council hopes that this virtual forum will elicit ideas, preferences, needs, and suggestions for future ESTO festivals. Topics to be discussed include: What is the meaning of ESTO? When and where do you envision future ESTOs? What would motivate or interest you to participate or help organize an ESTO?

EANC Executive Director Leelo Linask emphasized: “To represent Estonian-American interests, the council must hear the public’s views. ESTOs played a pivotal role in Estonia’s fight for independence, as Estonians from around the world gathered to demand freedom for their homeland and people. At the same time, ESTO festivals provided Estonians abroad the opportunity to network, share their love of Estonian culture, celebrate their heritage, and introduce Estonia to the public at large — this togetherness and sense of community is important for growth.”                                                                                                                      

The Estonian American National Council has been serving Estonians in the US since 1952. This is the latest in a series of virtual forums on topics of interest to Americans, featuring Ambassador Prikk and other speakers. 

The evening’s event will be broadcast live via Zoom.  All are welcome, register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsc-6urzksH9RSNPqzKkNMAhZW9h2tmZ1n