Estonia and the UN

Estonia has been a member of the United Nations since 17 September 1991, when Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were admitted at the 46th session of the UN General Assembly. Membership marked Estonia’s return to the international community following the restoration of its independence and enabled the country to participate as an equal Member State in discussions on global issues and in shaping international decisions. Today, Estonia actively participates in the work of the UN and supports a rules-based international order, respect for international law and multilateral cooperation. As a small state, Estonia considers it essential that all countries—regardless of their size or influence—honour international agreements and resolve disagreements peacefully.
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Estonia’s Representation at the UN

Estonia is represented at the UN by its Permanent Mission in New York, where most of the UN’s political work takes place. Estonian diplomats participate in the work of the General Assembly, the Security Council, committees and working groups, and negotiate with other Member States. In addition to New York, Estonia has a Permanent Mission in Geneva, home to several UN bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Estonian diplomats also take part in UN-related work in Vienna, Paris, Rome and other international centres.
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Estonia’s Priorities at the UN

Respect for international law, the sovereignty of states and a rules-based international order lie at the heart of Estonia’s foreign policy. At the UN, Estonia supports solutions based on cooperation, dialogue and compliance with international agreements. In recent years, Estonia has paid particular attention to international security, the protection of human rights, digital cooperation and cybersecurity. Estonia also supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, gender equality and the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. Estonia has been among the countries bringing digital technology and cybersecurity issues onto the UN agenda. As a digital nation, Estonia considers it important that the principles of international law also apply in cyberspace and that technology supports peace, development and human rights.
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Estonia on the Security Council

One of the most significant milestones in Estonia’s history at the UN was its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020–2021. This was the first time Estonia served on the world’s foremost body responsible for international peace and security. As a member of the Security Council, Estonia focused primarily on upholding international law, conflict prevention, the protection of civilians, the links between climate and security, and cybersecurity. Estonia held the presidency of the Security Council twice—in May 2020 and June 2021. Membership of the Security Council gave Estonia the opportunity to participate in discussions on the most important international security issues and to work closely with other Member States.
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Estonia’s Cooperation with UN Organisations

In addition to political cooperation, Estonia works closely with many UN funds, programmes and specialised agencies. Estonia supports humanitarian assistance, development cooperation and international projects through both financial contributions and expert knowledge. Cooperation partners include the World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO, UNICEF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and UN Women. Estonian experts participate in the work of various international working groups and committees, while Estonian researchers, companies and civil society organisations contribute to achieving the UN’s objectives.
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Estonia and the Sustainable Development Goals

Together with other UN Member States, Estonia has committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Meeting these goals requires cooperation between the national government, local authorities, businesses, research institutions and civil society. Estonia regularly prepares reviews of its progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and participates in the UN High-level Political Forum, where countries share their experiences and achievements.
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United Nations Associations and WFUNA

WFUNA was founded in Luxembourg on 2 August 1946, just one year after the establishment of the UN. It was created by United Nations Associations from 22 countries to strengthen public support for the UN, raise awareness of international cooperation and bring the principles and work of the UN closer to people. Today, WFUNA brings together more than 100 national United Nations Associations worldwide.

WFUNA is guided by the principle that a strong UN requires informed and active people. The organisation therefore focuses on engaging civil society, encouraging youth participation, promoting global citizenship education, and increasing the transparency and impact of the UN’s work. WFUNA organises training courses, simulations, international programmes and discussions that help people better understand the work of the UN and provide opportunities to take part in international cooperation themselves.