On Saturday, 18 January 2025, at the Cultural Diversity Gala in Tallinn, associations representing the national cultures of Estonia and other people living in Estonia signed a cooperation agreement.
The Estonian Centre of Folk Culture, the Estonian Union of National Minorities, and the International Union of National Cultural Associations ‘Lüüra’ signed a cooperation agreement for the development of national cultures and the recognition of the resulting cultural diversity.
‘We operate with the same understanding – Estonia is home to people from different ethnic communities. To this end, we commit to fostering an appreciation of the folk culture passed down by our ancestors, both within our communities and among others,’ said Kalle Vister, Director of the Estonian Centre of Folk Culture, who initiated the signing of the cooperation agreement. According to him, it is important that the cultural heritage of each nationality is part of the wealth of Estonian society, being a prominent part of our history and everyday life.
‘With our signatures, we confirmed our intention to expand our cooperation. Together, we have now celebrated the Day of Nationalities, for example, with various events and we have also made a joint proposal to the Riigikogu to celebrate it as a flag day,’ said Natalia Ermakov, President of the Estonian Union of National Minorities. According to her, celebrating the Day of Nationalities emphasises the common goal of promoting understanding between all nations and sharing the beauty of the diversity of Estonian culture.
‘Our agreement will allow us to strengthen team spirit, broaden our horizons, and exchange experiences. Cooperation based on mutual interest and support is the key to our common success and will help us achieve even more ambitious goals. Together, we will be better able to tackle our current challenges and maximise the benefits of our activities also in the future,’ said Ilona Uzlova, member of the board of the International Union of National Cultural Associations ‘Lüüra’.
Through this agreement, the associations strive to enhance the vitality of the Estonian people’s folk cultures and to promote greater recognition of cultural diversity. For this purpose, the parties see suitable opportunities primarily in the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the national communities, the organisation and implementation of related activities, and the celebration of the Day of Nationalities of Estonia as a day that unites the national communities.
The Estonian Centre of Folk Culture operates under the Ministry of Culture to preserve the national identity of Estonia and to ensure and develop a viable space for folk culture. The Estonian Union of National Minorities unites twenty-one national cultural organisations, while the International Union of National Cultural Associations ‘Lüüra’ encompasses thirty-nine such organisations.
Photo gallery (Integration Foundation / Egert Kamenik): https://photos.app.goo.gl/ArGrQSGQA91TbGmBA
