This summer, Vabamu had the opportunity to work with the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organise the first Global Estonian Youth Envoys’ Summer School.
The Global Estonian Youth Envoys’ Summer School, held from 26 July to 2 August 2026, offered 47 youth with Estonian roots, from more than 20 countries, the opportunity to learn about Estonia’s government, society, economy, culture, and defence. Over the course of the week, participants visited Tallinn, Tartu, Seto- and Võrumaa and met with numerous representatives from Estonian public life, business, the cultural sector, and civil society.
The programme included an introduction to Estonian food and culture through a cooking class at Toiduakadeemia and a tour of Tallinn’s Old Town. Among the government institutions visited were Stenbock House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme also brought the participants to the Arvo Pärt Centre, the e-Estonia briefing centre, various Estonian companies, and Vabamu. Discussions focused on the Estonian economy, AI, foreign and security policy, democracy, equality, and civil society. In addition, the group visited the Tapa Military Base, the University of Tartu, and the Estonian National Museum. In the southeast of Estonia, the summer school participants were able to explore the local culture and nature, undertaking a bog hike, and attending the Seto Kingdom Day celebrations.
All in all, the summer school was a meaningful and multifaceted journey through both time and space: providing the opportunity to learn more about Estonia’s history, society, and culture. The programme combined meetings with decision-makers and experts, company visits, workshops, cultural institutions, and experiences of Estonia’s nature and local traditions. The participants were able to meet with and make friends with other Estonian youth from around the globe, while also finding out what opportunities are available to them for studying, working, and partaking in other activities in Estonia.
We would like to thank our partner, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all the people who contributed to the summer school through talks, workshops, and more, including:
- Toiduakadeemia
- Stenbocki maja
- Luukas Kristjan Ilves
- Arvo Pärt Keskus
- Taavi Kotka and Kuri Kotkas
- e-Eesti esitluskeskus
- Nortal
- Bolt
- TFTAK
- Eesti Väitlusselts
- Eveliis Padar
- Kertu Birgit Anton and Fridays for Future
- Toomas Järvet and Juhan Kuusi Dokfoto Keskus
- Tapa Military Base
- Lachlan Bell and Felix Parker
- Tartu University and Study in Estonia
- Katariina Päts
- Estonian National Museum
- Anna Hints and Tushar Prakash
- Timo Palo
- Seto Kingdom
- Haanjamehe taluhotell
More photos of the whole week can be seen here
Pictures: Ivo Panasjuk/Välisministeerium