Today 26 November or Citizen’s Day, the Foreign Ministry recognises citizen diplomats and NGOs for their significant contribution to advancing Estonian language, culture and business in the world. This year, the Foreign Ministry is awarding 40 letters of appreciation, among them are seven outstanding citizen diplomats from the United States:
Robert Agee – for his active, efficient and consistent contribution to business cooperation links between Estonia and Maryland
Helica DeShaw – for her dedicated and consistent work in preserving and boosting Estonian cultural identity in the United States and the continued vigour of the Lakewood Estonian House
Liisi Esse – for her committed and heartfelt work to preserve Estonian cultural identity on the West Coast of the United States, as well as for her contribution to boosting cooperation on education and research, raising awareness about Estonia’s history and culture, and increasing Estonia’s visibility
Merike Barborak – for her dedicated and consistent work in preserving and boosting Estonian cultural identity in the United States as the long-time teacher and head of the Estonian School in New York
Peter Kopperman – for running the Washington Estonian Society and maintaining its vigour, including during the pandemic
Peeter Saar – for his consistent and dedicated work in preserving and boosting Estonian cultural identity in the United States
Taimi Talboo – for her commitment and consistent contribution to preserving and boosting Estonian cultural identity in the United States, including as the head of the Estonian School in Washington and as the organiser of the Blue Hepatica Run
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is issuing letters of appreciation for citizen diplomacy on Citizen’s Day for the fourteenth time. 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 on a voluntary basis, thus contributing to raising Estonia’s profile in their country of residence. The full list of recipients of 2023 citizen diplomacy recognition is on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Congratulations!