Programmes

NextGen UN is founded on the belief that young people have an important role in shaping the future. This requires knowledge, practical experience and opportunities to take part in public debate. The initiative aims to make international relations and the UN understandable to young people and to show how everyone can influence society through their ideas and actions.

NextGen UN is a youth-led initiative of UNA Estonia that aims to raise young people’s awareness of the UN, international relations and opportunities to participate in international cooperation. The initiative was launched in 2024 under the leadership of two young people – Bogdan Janakov and Sebastian Rock – and, with the support of Erasmus+, quickly grew into one of UNA Estonia’s core programmes. As part of the programme, UNA Estonia organises youth conferences, Model UN simulations, school visits and other educational projects.

The Youth Diplomats Programme is UNA Estonia’s international youth programme, designed to prepare young Estonians to participate in the world’s most realistic simulations of the UN and other international organisations. The programme combines preparatory training, meetings with diplomats and experts, and international study visits, allowing participants to experience diplomacy in its most authentic environment.

At the Opinion Festival, UNA Estonia brings together experts, diplomats, politicians and civil society representatives to discuss the UN’s role, future and reform. Each year, we explore from a different perspective how the UN can support international cooperation in a changing world, what challenges the organisation faces, and what the future of the UN means for Estonia and the world.