Areas of Activity
UNA Estonia’s activities are divided into four areas: raising awareness, learning, research and engagement. Through these, we address the work of the UN, Estonia’s role in international cooperation and global issues, with particular attention to security and disarmament, human rights and sustainable development.
One of the principles guiding our work is complementarity. We aim to create added value rather than duplicate the work of other organisations. When our goals and activities overlap with those of our partners, we look for opportunities to cooperate, exchange experience and increase our shared impact. The activities described below are illustrative and are not all carried out at the same time. We are open to new ideas, proposals and opportunities for cooperation.
One of the principles guiding our work is complementarity. We aim to create added value rather than duplicate the work of other organisations. When our goals and activities overlap with those of our partners, we look for opportunities to cooperate, exchange experience and increase our shared impact. The activities described below are illustrative and are not all carried out at the same time. We are open to new ideas, proposals and opportunities for cooperation.
01
Raising Awareness
What does the UN do? What issues are currently being discussed internationally? What are Estonia’s positions, and how do the UN’s decisions and activities affect us here in Estonia?
The purpose of raising awareness is to increase knowledge of the UN, its work and international developments. Many issues affecting the lives and well-being of people around the world do not always become part of public debate in Estonia. We want to explain these issues, provide background and show how they relate to Estonia and our everyday lives. Introducing the UN’s goals, structure and work is one of UNA Estonia’s main priorities. Reliable and accessible information helps people form informed views about the UN, Estonia’s international role and global challenges.
Some of our awareness-raising activities focus on the UN system as a whole, while others focus on Estonia’s work and initiatives at the UN. We want to bring internationally important issues for Estonia into public discussion and contribute to a transparent and meaningful debate about Estonia’s role in the UN. We organise guest lectures, public discussions, conferences, seminars, film and discussion evenings, and panel discussions.
We also participate in events aimed at the wider public, such as the Opinion Festival. In addition, we publish articles, explainers, interviews and other Estonian-language content related to the UN on our website and social media. Our awareness-raising activities are intended for everyone interested in world politics, international cooperation and Estonia’s role in the world.
The purpose of raising awareness is to increase knowledge of the UN, its work and international developments. Many issues affecting the lives and well-being of people around the world do not always become part of public debate in Estonia. We want to explain these issues, provide background and show how they relate to Estonia and our everyday lives. Introducing the UN’s goals, structure and work is one of UNA Estonia’s main priorities. Reliable and accessible information helps people form informed views about the UN, Estonia’s international role and global challenges.
Some of our awareness-raising activities focus on the UN system as a whole, while others focus on Estonia’s work and initiatives at the UN. We want to bring internationally important issues for Estonia into public discussion and contribute to a transparent and meaningful debate about Estonia’s role in the UN. We organise guest lectures, public discussions, conferences, seminars, film and discussion evenings, and panel discussions.
We also participate in events aimed at the wider public, such as the Opinion Festival. In addition, we publish articles, explainers, interviews and other Estonian-language content related to the UN on our website and social media. Our awareness-raising activities are intended for everyone interested in world politics, international cooperation and Estonia’s role in the world.
02
Learning
Why is the UN important? How do the UN General Assembly and Security Council work? What is a resolution? How does Estonia participate in UN decision-making, and what role do small states play in international cooperation?
Introducing the UN, its structure, functions and work is at the heart of our educational activities. The UN is the only global organisation that includes almost every country in the world and addresses issues including peace and security, human rights, poverty, migration, health and climate change. Despite this, the way the UN works is not always easy to understand.
Some of our educational activities focus on the fundamentals: what the UN’s principal organs are, how decisions are made, what the Secretary-General does and who represents Estonia at the UN. Other activities explore in greater depth the challenges facing the UN, Estonia’s work in international organisations, Security Council reform, peacekeeping and the opportunities available to small states in world politics.
Our aim is to support fact-based and well-informed public debate. To do this, we create and share learning materials in Estonian, visit schools, organise youth conferences, and arrange meetings with diplomats and subject-matter experts. We want to make information available in other languages more accessible to people in Estonia and add relevant context and explanations.
Model UN is an important part of our educational work. Through simulations, young people gain practical experience in diplomatic debate, negotiations, drafting resolutions and representing national interests. Among other activities, UNA Estonia organises Tartu Model UN and, through the Youth Diplomats Programme, prepares young people to participate in international UN simulations.
Introducing the UN, its structure, functions and work is at the heart of our educational activities. The UN is the only global organisation that includes almost every country in the world and addresses issues including peace and security, human rights, poverty, migration, health and climate change. Despite this, the way the UN works is not always easy to understand.
Some of our educational activities focus on the fundamentals: what the UN’s principal organs are, how decisions are made, what the Secretary-General does and who represents Estonia at the UN. Other activities explore in greater depth the challenges facing the UN, Estonia’s work in international organisations, Security Council reform, peacekeeping and the opportunities available to small states in world politics.
Our aim is to support fact-based and well-informed public debate. To do this, we create and share learning materials in Estonian, visit schools, organise youth conferences, and arrange meetings with diplomats and subject-matter experts. We want to make information available in other languages more accessible to people in Estonia and add relevant context and explanations.
Model UN is an important part of our educational work. Through simulations, young people gain practical experience in diplomatic debate, negotiations, drafting resolutions and representing national interests. Among other activities, UNA Estonia organises Tartu Model UN and, through the Youth Diplomats Programme, prepares young people to participate in international UN simulations.
03
Research
What UN-related research is being conducted in Estonia? How do research findings reach policymakers and the public? Which areas of international cooperation need more attention?
UNA Estonia supports the advancement of research related to the UN, international relations and Estonian foreign policy. Our aim is to increase the visibility of the knowledge that already exists in Estonia and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.
We consider research addressing the work of the UN, global challenges, and Estonia’s role, initiatives and opportunities in international organisations to be important. We also want to strengthen links among researchers, students, civil society and policymakers.
We support the creation of academic networks, introduce UN-related research, and encourage bachelor’s and master’s students to choose topics related to international cooperation for their theses. Where possible, we also involve international experts and guest speakers in discussions. By linking research with awareness-raising and learning, we help make research findings understandable and bring them into public debate. In this way, we aim to support dialogue among researchers, stakeholders, decision-makers and the wider public.
UNA Estonia supports the advancement of research related to the UN, international relations and Estonian foreign policy. Our aim is to increase the visibility of the knowledge that already exists in Estonia and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.
We consider research addressing the work of the UN, global challenges, and Estonia’s role, initiatives and opportunities in international organisations to be important. We also want to strengthen links among researchers, students, civil society and policymakers.
We support the creation of academic networks, introduce UN-related research, and encourage bachelor’s and master’s students to choose topics related to international cooperation for their theses. Where possible, we also involve international experts and guest speakers in discussions. By linking research with awareness-raising and learning, we help make research findings understandable and bring them into public debate. In this way, we aim to support dialogue among researchers, stakeholders, decision-makers and the wider public.
04
Engagement
How can you apply for an internship at the UN? What career opportunities are available within the UN system? How can people and civil society organisations in Estonia contribute to the work of the UN?
The purpose of engagement is to increase the participation of people in Estonia and civil society in international cooperation. Broader participation means greater knowledge, more diverse perspectives and stronger representation for Estonia internationally.
We support young people, students and early-career professionals who want to gain international experience, participate in UN programmes, or find internship and employment opportunities at the UN and its agencies. We share information about application opportunities, international programmes and career paths. We also want to expand civil society’s opportunities to participate in international discussions. We organise meetings, discussions and programmes that bring together young people, experts, diplomats, officials and representatives of non-governmental organisations.
The Youth Diplomats Programme, Model UN simulations, youth conferences and public discussions give participants opportunities to develop communication, negotiation, debating and leadership skills and to better understand how international decisions are made. Our aim is to equip people in Estonia with the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to participate actively in international cooperation.
The purpose of engagement is to increase the participation of people in Estonia and civil society in international cooperation. Broader participation means greater knowledge, more diverse perspectives and stronger representation for Estonia internationally.
We support young people, students and early-career professionals who want to gain international experience, participate in UN programmes, or find internship and employment opportunities at the UN and its agencies. We share information about application opportunities, international programmes and career paths. We also want to expand civil society’s opportunities to participate in international discussions. We organise meetings, discussions and programmes that bring together young people, experts, diplomats, officials and representatives of non-governmental organisations.
The Youth Diplomats Programme, Model UN simulations, youth conferences and public discussions give participants opportunities to develop communication, negotiation, debating and leadership skills and to better understand how international decisions are made. Our aim is to equip people in Estonia with the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to participate actively in international cooperation.