Reviewing the symposium 'Perspectives on Estonia – Present, Past & Future'
Published: 18 March 2008
The student symposium 'Perspectives on Estonia – Present, Past and Future' was one of a series of events organised in Glasgow to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.
The student symposium 'Perspectives on Estonia – Present, Past and Future' was one of a series of events organised in Glasgow to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. The aim of this event was to bring together students from different European universities interested in Estonia as well as to give students of Estonian society, culture and language at Glasgow University a possibility to present their own papers.
The symposium was supported by CEES, CRCEES and the Estonian Institute. The 15 participants were from 4 different countries and 6 different universities. The event lasted 2 days, during which 10 oral and 4 poster presentations were held.
The international symposium was opened by Dr David J. Smith, head of the Glasgow Baltic Research Unit, editor of Journal of Baltic Studies and Co-Director of CRCEES.
Day 1:
The first day of the symposium was held at the historic main building of the university, in the senate room.
At the end of the first day the participants had the opportunity to take part in a CEES student social event, which involved a film screening followed by a discussion. Another opportunity was to visit an exhibition of Estonian state decorations at the Scottish National Library in Edinburgh. The exhibition was opened by the Estonian Minister of Culture, Ms Laine Jänes and was followed by a concert given by leading Estonian classical guitar player Mr Heiki Mätlik.
Day 2:
The second day of the conference took place in the CEES seminar room at Lilybank Gardens.
In the afternoon the Ambassador of the Estonian Republic, H.E. Dr. Margus Laidre gave a speech, 'Estonia – Back to the future' in the Melville Room of the university main building. Earlier in the day, Dr Laidre, Ms Jänes and members of CEES staff had attended a lunch at the Glasgow City Chambers with the Deputy Lord Provost and other members of the City Council. Ms Jänes also visited the Kelvingrove Museum.
Concert & Reception:
The student symposium finished with a concert given by the Estonian VGV Trio in the University Chapel and a reception at the Randolph Hall in the presence of the Minister Laine Jänes and Ambassador Dr Margus Laidre.
The feedback from the first student symposium 'Perspectives on Estonia – Present, Past and Future' has been very positive. We hope that there will be a second one in two years.For a limited period, a number of other pictures from the event can be viewed on (external site) http://www.foto24.ee/album/32423/3.
Ms Lea Kreinin and Dr David Smith would like to acknowledge and thank everyone involved.
First published: 18 March 2008